What Is a Double-Double in Basketball? Definition, Stats, and Famous Examples

In basketball, a double-double happens when a player records double‑digit numbers in two major statistical categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals, or blocks) in a single game. It reflects versatility and consistent performance. The most common type is points + rebounds, but guards and forwards may also earn double‑doubles via points + assists or other combinations. Over seasons, players who repeatedly achieve double-doubles often become key contributors and reliable impact performers.

What Is a Double‑Double?

A double-double occurs when a basketball player accumulates 10 or more in twoof the five main statistical categories in a single game. The categories considered are:

● Points
● Rebounds
● Assists
● Steals
● Blocked shots

So if a player ends a game with, say, 18 points and 12 rebounds, that counts as a double‑double. Or 15 points and 11 assists, or even 10 rebounds and 10 assists — any combination is valid as long as two of those stats reach double digits.

Why the Double-Double Matters

The double‑double is more than just a stat; it's a sign of a player's all around impact.Here's why it's valued:
● Versatility and Two‑Way Contribution: It shows a player isn’t just scoring —they’re also contributing in rebounding, passing, defense or playmaking.

● Reliability & Consistency: Players who regularly record double-doublesoften form the backbone of their teams, giving consistent performances game after game.

Team Impact: Double-doubles frequently correlate with winning outcomes, because they reflect control over multiple aspects of the game (scoring, rebounds, assists, defense).

Especially for big men — centers and power forwards — a points + rebounds double-double remains a hallmark of dependable performance; for guards or ball‑handling forwards, points + assists double-doubles signal playmaking and scoring balance.

Common & Less Common Types of Double‑Doubles

● Points + Rebounds: By far the most common — bigs and forwards oftenachieve this when they score and dominate the boards.

● Points + Assists: More common among guards and ball‑handlers who bothscore and facilitate offense.

● Rebounds + Assists (without points): Less common, but possible — e.g., arebound‑heavy forward who also handles the ball and passes.

● Other combinations (e.g. Points + Steals, Points + Blocks): These aretypically rare, due to the difficulty of reaching double digits in steals or blocks in a single game.

Because steals and blocks are harder to accumulate, a double-double involving them is much less common — making them especially notable if they occur.

Double‑Doubles vs Triple‑Doubles & Other Stat Feats

The concept of a “double” in statistical categories scales:

● Double‑Double: double digits in 2 categories
● Triple‑Double: double digits in 3 categories 
● Quadruple‑Double: double digits in 4 — extremely rare in professional basketball While triple‑doubles often grab headlines due to their rarity and broad impact, double-doubles remain a frequent and meaningful indicator of consistent all‑around play.

Why Double‑Doubles Are Still Highly Valued

In a world dazzled by high scoring and highlight plays, a double-double may go underappreciated — but coaches, teammates, and savvy fans know its value. A player who consistently racks up double-doubles contributes not only in scoring but also helps control the glass, create offense, and often plays through both ends of the court. In short — they make their team more stable and competitive.

In leagues ranging from professional (NBA, WNBA) to college (NCAA), achieving a double-double remains a respected benchmark, showing that a player can perform above average across multiple dimensions of the game
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A double‑double is a foundational stat line in basketball — simple in definition, yet powerful in what it signifies: consistency, versatility, and dual‑ended impact. Whether a big man dominating boards and scoring, or a guard balancing scoring with assists — a double-double reflects a player doing more than one thing well in the same game. For teams, coaches, and fans, it's a reliable marker of all‑around contribution.