Fifty years ago today, on October 18, 1974, Nate Thurmond etched his name into NBA history by recording the league’s first-ever quadruple-double. In a thrilling 120-115 Chicago Bulls victory over the Atlanta Hawks, Thurmond delivered an awe-inspiring stat line: 22 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists, and 12 blocks. This remarkable performance set the bar for one of the rarest feats in basketball.
The Quadruple-Double: A Rare Club
In the five decades since Thurmond’s historic game, only three other players have managed to record a quadruple-double. All four instances occurred within a two-decade span, between 1974 and 1994. This short window of basketball brilliance produced some of the most versatile and dominant performances the NBA has ever seen.
- Nate Thurmond (1974): 22 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists, 12 blocks
- Alvin Robertson (1986): 20 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, 10 steals
- Hakeem Olajuwon (1990): 18 points, 16 rebounds, 11 blocks, 10 assists
- David Robinson (1994): 34 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, 10 blocks
A Feat Like No Other
What makes this club even more exclusive is the way these players achieved their quadruple-doubles. Thurmond, Olajuwon, and Robinson, towering at 6-foot-11 or taller, dominated by filling their stat lines with blocks—an area of the game where their size and athleticism gave them an edge.
However, one player stands out: Alvin Robertson. At 6-foot-3, significantly shorter than his counterparts, Robertson achieved his quadruple-double through a different route—steals. His defensive prowess made up for his lack of size, and his 10 steals remain the only instance of a quadruple-double involving steals rather than blocks.
A Lasting Legacy
Though no player has achieved a quadruple-double since 1994, the achievement remains one of the most respected and difficult milestones in the NBA. Nate Thurmond’s 1974 performance paved the way for this rare and prestigious club, one that only three other players have joined. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Thurmond’s incredible game, it’s a reminder of the unparalleled versatility and dominance it takes to excel in every aspect of the game on the highest stage.
Thurmond’s place in history is not only secure—it is legendary.