On this day in 1974, Nate Thurmond made NBA and Chicago Bulls history by recording the first-ever quadruple-double

There’s a reason why Nate Thurmond was called Nate the Great

Dick Raphael | Credit: NBAE via Getty Images

On this day in 1974, basketball superstar Nate Thurmond completed an amazing feat – a quadruple double. This means he recorded double digits in four statistical categories: points, rebounds, assists, and blocks. It is an extremely rare accomplishment, and only four players have ever done it. Thurmond was one of the best players of his era, and this breathtaking performance was just another example of his greatness!

First to ever do it

Nicknamed "Nate the Great," Thurmond was a physical specimen. Standing at 6'11" and weighing 225 pounds, he had the size and strength to dominate the paint. He was an excellent rebounder and shot-blocker, using his massive frame to protect the rim. And during the Chicago Bulls' season-opener of the 1974-1975 season against the Atlanta Hawks, Thurmond showcased his all-around skills by putting up an incredible stat line: 22 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists, and 12 blocks.

While plenty of remarkable feats have resulted in losses, this one was different – the Bulls won 120-115. Not only did Thurmond make history, but he also helped his team get a victory.

A true pioneer

Thurmond's quadruple-double was the first ever recorded in NBA history. It would be more than a decade before another player – Alvin Robertson of the San Antonio Spurs – would duplicate the feat. Robertson had 20 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, and 10 steals in a 120-114 win over the Phoenix Suns. Two Hall of Fame centers — Hakeem Olajuwon and David Robinson — would also later join the rare air of the quadruple-double country.

Thurmond joined the Bulls towards the end of his colorful 14-year career. And while his numbers with Chicago do not jump off the page (7.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.2 blocks), Bulls fans will always have that one unforgettable game to remember him by. On October 18, 1974, Nate Thurmond made history.