What is a Double-Double in Basketball?

A double-double is a notable achievement in the game of basketball, showcasing a player’s versatility and well-roundedness on the court. It occurs when a player accumulates ten or more units in two of the five primary statistical categories during a single game. These categories include points scored, rebounds secured, assists made, steals, and blocked shots.

Basketball fans and analysts often regard double-doubles as a testament to a player’s skill and ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Typically, big men such as forwards and centers attain double-doubles through points and rebounds, while guards usually achieve this feat with points and assists. However, reaching double figures in steals or blocks is exceptionally rare and often considered an extraordinary accomplishment.

While a double-double is a significant achievement, it is not the only multi-statistical milestone in basketball. Other notable benchmarks include triple-doubles and quadruple-doubles, which involve reaching double figures in three and four statistical categories, respectively. Nonetheless, the double-double remains an essential marker of a productive and impactful basketball performance.

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Fundamentals of a Double-Double

Definition in Basketball

A double-double is an accomplishment in basketball where a player achieves double-digit numbers in two of the five primary statistical categories during a game. These categories include points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. This term showcases a player’s versatility and overall contribution to the team’s performance.

Statistical Requirements

To achieve a double-double, a player must meet the following criteria:

Points: Score at least 10 points.
Rebounds: Grab 10 or more rebounds.
Assists: Dish out 10 assists.
Steals: Register 10 steals.
Blocks: Block 10 shots.

Some common double-double combinations are:

Points and rebounds: This is the most frequent type of double-double, often achieved by post players like power forwards or centers who excel in scoring and grabbing boards.
Points and assists: Generally achieved by guards, especially point guards, who excel in passing and setting up their teammates for scoring opportunities while also contributing offensively.

Achieving a double-double in a game is a noteworthy feat that reflects a player’s well-rounded skills. Players who consistently record double-doubles are considered valuable assets to their teams, as they contribute significantly in multiple aspects of the game.

Historical Significance and Records

Notable Achievements

Throughout basketball history, achieving a double-double has been a benchmark for all-around performance and versatility. Various players have left their mark in the history books with impressive double-double achievements. These notable accomplishments include:

Wilt Chamberlain, who holds the record for the most consecutive double-doubles with 227 games.
Russell Westbrook achieved a triple-double (an extension of a double-double, having double digits in three of the five major categories) for an entire NBA season, and he did it three times.
Tim Duncan is known for his consistency, amassing a total of 841 career double-doubles, which ranks 6th in NBA history.

Record Holders

Several players have established themselves as record holders in the realm of double-doubles. Here is a list of some notable double-double record holders:

Most career double-doubles (NBA): Tim Duncan with 841 double-doubles.
Most double-doubles in a season (NBA): Wilt Chamberlain holds the record for 74 double-doubles in a single season.
Most consecutive double-doubles (NBA): Again, Wilt Chamberlain with 227 consecutive double-doubles.
Most double-doubles in a WNBA season: Courtney Paris, who achieved 32 double-doubles during the 2015 WNBA season.

Basketball has seen its fair share of remarkable double-double performances and record achievements. These players have showcased their skills and versatility, leaving a lasting impact on the game.