40 point triple double in basketball means a single game by a player scoring 40 or more points. The triple double includes points rebounds and assists.

The best solo performance a player can have in a basketball game is a triple-double with a 40-point total. Understanding what a triple-double in basketball is necessary to place this achievement.

Players like Russell Westbrook and LeBron James have become more frequent triple-double players. 

Not only win the clutch games but this feat can help rate player performances because it is one of the finest measures of all-around quality on a basketball court. 

Players can motivate their teammates and contribute to the team's win when they score 40 points. It shows the player's desire to go above and beyond for their team's success and acts as a source of inspiration for the other players.

40 Point Triple Double Meaning In Basketball

A basketball player who achieves 40 or more points and scores at least ten baskets in three of the five categories in a single game is called 40 points triple-double. 

Triple-double was initially recorded during the 1979-80 season in the NBA and now it has increased with some players bringing this off on weekly basis.

Sports Reference lists its all-time leaders in Triple-Doubles in WBA and NBA, loaded with icons and legends.

The triple-double with a 40-point total indicates the improvement and the increased value of all-around play. It highlights a player's capacity to help the team in multiple areas of the game. 

Luka is  is the Mavericks' franchise leader in career triple-doubles.
Source : instagram

A player must excel in offense and defense to attain the feat. For example, the player might need to pull down many rebounds or make many passes.

They must show exceptional ability, speed, and success on every level. When basketball started, scoring was the only number kept track of.

As the game has developed, numbers like rebounds, assists, and blocks have become important when assessing a player's performance.

Triple-Double Category

1. Points: Points are used to record the final score of a game. 

2. Rebounds: Basketball rebounding is a regular part of the game; if a shot is made efficiently, possession of the ball changes, but if not, the defensive side is given possession by the rebound.

3. Assists: A player receives points for an assist when they pass the ball to a player in a way that ends in a field goal score.

4. Steals: A defending player makes a steal when they successfully and actively make a turnover.

5. Blocked Shots: A defensive player properly shifts an offensive player's basket effort to prevent a score known as a block.

Why Is 40 pt Triple Doubles Significant?

A 40-point triple-double is significant because it is a very challenging and rare accomplishment made by the players. The player has to have outstanding skills, athletic ability, and success at every step.

A player who scores a 40-point triple-double can motivate other players and rally the team toward the win.

The achievement has only been landed by just a few players throughout basketball history. A player will differentiate themselves from others by bringing off a rare 40-point triple-double.

Who wouldn't want to be on the list of Lebron James, Luka Doncic, Wilt Chamberlin, Larry Bird and so on?

Bradley recorded his first career triple-double with 40 points on December 22, 2018.
Source : instagram

It can help players establish their legacy in the NBA and improve their chances of being elected to the Hall of Fame. Also, a 40-point triple-double can have a big effect on the NBA stars advocating their form.

Also, sponsors and media attention is other part of its beneficiaries. It is also a remarkable achievement that is praised by both fans and players due to its rarity, impact on a player's legacy, and the NBA as a whole.

Some Players With 40 Point Triple Double

Millions of people worldwide enjoy basketball, and a  triple-double brings excitement to the fans.

This suggests a player had three statistical categories with double-digit figures in a single game. But not all triple-doubles are made equal.

Caitlin Clark leads Iowa to the women's Final Four with a rare 40-point triple-double.
Source : twitter

In 2023, during Iowa's 97-83 Elite Eight win over Louisville, Lowa junior forward Caitlin Clark became the first player in Division I NCAA Tournament to record a 40-point triple-double. 

Young basketball players like Luka Doncic and Trae Young have also recorded a 40-point triple-double.

1. Russell Westbrook

Russell won back-to-back NBA All-Star Game MVP awards  for two years.
Source : twitter

Russell recorded a triple-double of 40 points while competing for the Oklahoma City Thunder in April 2019. He scored 40 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, showing his skills in various statistical categories.

He currently holds the NBA record for most regular-season triple-doubles finishing with 185. 

2. Tracy McGrady

Tracy is  one of the greatest scorers and shooting guards in NBA history.
Source : twitter

Tracy led the Houston Rockets to a 112-106 road win over the Sacramento Kings, scoring 40 points and giving out 10 assists on April 8, 2007.

McGrady had a national career average of 12.6 points and 2.9 rebounds while shooting 54.4 percent from the field and 42.1 percent from three-point range.

3. Wilt Chamberlain

Chamberlain achieved a 40-point triple-double in March 1968 by amassing 53 points, 32 rebounds, and 14 assists in a single game.

During his 15 years career at NBA, he recorded 78 triple-doubles, seven of which included 40 points. He also got two NBA championships, the Rookie of the Year award, one final MVP award, and one All-Star Game MVP award.