The only time two rookies recorded triple-doubles in one game
In short: On December 3, 2013, Victor Oladipo achieved a feat that defied the odds of modern basketball. During a double-overtime defeat against Philadelphia's 76ers, he achieved his initial career triple-double; this was the sole instance where two rookies reached that milestone simultaneously within one NBA match.
Oladipo's path to the league was defined by rapid evolution. After choosing Indiana University over programs like Notre Dame and Maryland, he transformed from a "raw athletic specimen" into a defensive specialist. By his junior year (2012–13), he led the Hoosiers to a Big Ten championship and won the Adolph Rupp Trophy as the nation's top player. His efficiency was staggering; he ranked fourth in the country in field goal percentage, on pace to be the highest-scoring guard since 1996–97.
Drafted second overall by the Orlando Magic in 2013, Oladipo quickly became a versatile threat. Beyond his scoring, he was noted for his defensive tenacity, eventually leading the NBA in steals during his first season with the Indiana Pacers (2017–18). That year served as his breakout, earning him the Most Improved Player Award and an All-NBA Third Team selection after averaging 23.1 points per game.
His career has been a narrative of high peaks and physical hurdles. He has navigated facial fractures, concussions, and a ruptured quad tendon. Despite these setbacks, Oladipo's impact remained measurable: he broke ties with legends like Chris Paul for the sixth-longest steal streak in NBA history and became one of the few Pacers to join Reggie Miller in scoring 30+ points with six 3-pointers in a single postseason game.
Music complements Oladipo's sporting life, as evidenced by various releases like his first full album V.O. comprising a 2018 release and an afrobeats-influenced EP during 2023.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Victor Oladipo
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/history-victor-oladipo.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Born on this day · More in History · Latest · A–Z · All topics
