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6 players with most “cripple-doubles” in NBA history

In the NBA, double-doubles are often celebrated, as they typically mean a player positively stuffed the stat sheet. Doubles-doubles involve players reaching double figures in two of the five main statistical categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks).

However, occasionally players record undesirable “cripple-doubles,” AKA double-doubles along with 10 turnovers. While cripple-doubles aren’t an official stat, they mark an embarrassing statistical milestone for players.

The latest to achieve the dishonor is Sacramento Kings star big man Domantas Sabonis. The three-time All-Star recorded 23 points, 19 rebounds and 11 turnovers in the Kings’ 111-104 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday.

Sabonis’ 11 turnovers marked a career-high. Meanwhile, he contributed over half of the Kings’ season-high 21 turnovers. However, despite the big man’s extremely poor playmaking performance, it was still his first career cripple-double.

Per Stathead, six players have recorded at least three cripple-doubles in NBA history, with two separating themselves from the rest of the pack. On that note, here are the league’s all-time cripple-double leaders:


NBA players with most cripple-doubles


#T3. Clyde Drexler (3)

Portland Trail Blazers legend Clyde Drexler
Portland Trail Blazers legend Clyde Drexler

Portland Trail Blazers legend Clyde Drexler is tied for third in career cripple-doubles. The 10-time All-Star recorded three over 15 seasons.


#T3. Hakeem Olajuwon (3)

Houston Rockets legend Hakeem Olajuwon (left)
Houston Rockets legend Hakeem Olajuwon (left)

Also tied for third is Houston Rockets legend Hakeem Olajuwon, who tallied three cripple-doubles over his 18-year career.


#T2. Isiah Thomas (4)

Detroit Pistons legend Isiah Thomas
Detroit Pistons legend Isiah Thomas

Detroit Pistons legend Isiah Thomas is the first of two players tied for the second-most cripple-doubles with four over 13 seasons.


#T2. Magic Johnson (4)

LA Lakers legend Magic Johnson
LA Lakers legend Magic Johnson

Thomas’ former rival, LA Lakers legend Magic Johnson, is the other player tied for second. The five-time NBA champion recorded four cripple-doubles over 13 seasons.


#T1. Russell Westbrook (8)

LA Clippers veteran point guard Russell Westbrook
LA Clippers veteran point guard Russell Westbrook

Coming in first is a pair of LA Clippers teammates, the first being veteran point guard Russell Westbrook. The former MVP has racked up eight cripple-doubles through 16 seasons.


Also Read: Listing only 4 NBA players with 20,000 points, 5,000 assists and 2,000 made 3s ft. LeBron James


#T1. James Harden (8)

LA Clippers star guard James Harden
LA Clippers star guard James Harden

Westbrook’s teammate, star guard James Harden, is the other player tied for first, with eight cripple-doubles through 15 seasons.


Also Read: Listing only 3 active NBA players with 10,000 rebounds

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