Luka Doncic ties Magic Johnson for third-most triple-doubles by a rookie in NBA history

Scott Rafferty

Luka Doncic ties Magic Johnson for third-most triple-doubles by a rookie in NBA history image

On Tuesday, Luka Doncic recorded a triple-double for the second game in a row.

After going for 23 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists against the Golden State Warriors over the weekend, the rookie sensation had 28 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists against the Sacramento Kings.

 

The Mavericks lost to the Kings by a final score of 125-121, but Doncic made some history with his performance.

According to Basketball-Reference, Doncic is now tied with Magic Johnson in third place for the most triple-doubles all-time for a rookie. Oscar Roberston (26) and Ben Simmons (12) are the only first-year players who have ever had more.

Most triple-doubles in a season by a rookie
Rank Player Season Triple-Doubles
1 Oscar Robertson 1960-61 26
2 Ben Simmons 2017-18 12
3 Magic Johnson 1979-80 7
3 Luka Doncic 2018-19 7
5 Alvan Adams 1975-76 5
5 Tom Gola 1955-56 5

Four of Doncic's triple-doubles came before his 20th birthday. Not only did that make him the second teenager in NBA history to record a triple-double, he's the only teenager ever to record multiple triple-doubles.

One of those was a 30-point triple-double, which, once again, was the first of its kind for a player his age.

The Mavericks still have eight games remaining this season, so Doncic will have a few more opportunities to move into sole possession of third place. He also technically has a shot at catching Simmons at No. 2, but it's highly unlikely considering he'd need five more triple-doubles to tie the Philadelphia 76ers star and six more to pass him.

As for Robertson, he continues to be in a triple-double class of his own.

Scott Rafferty

Scott Rafferty Photo

 

Scott Rafferty is an experienced NBA journalist who first started writing for The Sporting News in 2017. There are few things he appreciates more than a Nikola Jokic no-look pass, Klay Thompson heat check or Giannis Antetokounmpo eurostep. He's a member of the NBA Global team.