Give some stream of consciousness and then the answer. A triple-double is defined as a performance in which a player accumulates a double digit number total in three of five statistical categories -- points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocked shots -- in a game. The most common way for a player to achieve a triple-double is with points, rebounds, and assists, though on occasion players may record 10 or more steals or blocked shots in a game. The origin of the term "triple-double" is unclear. Some sources claim that it was coined by former Los Angeles Lakers public relations director Bruce Jolesch in the 1980s in order to showcase Magic Johnson's versatility, while others claim that it was coined by then Philadelphia 76ers media relations director Harvey Pollack in 1980. The triple-double became an officially recorded statistic during the 1979 -- 80 season.

Answer this question: when did the nba start recording triple doubles?
The relevant information is: The triple-double became an officially recorded statistic during the 1979 -- 80 season.
Therefore, the answer is the 1979 -- 80 season.