What Is a Double-Double in Basketball & Why Does It Matter?
Basketball players are ultimately measured by their statistical output. A double-double, when you reach 10 points in at least 2 statistical categories, is considered a benchmark for a good player. If a player can average a double-double over the course of a season, it’s an excellent accomplishment. In this article, we’ll explain what it means to get a double-double, a triple-double, and even a quadruple-double and why it’s a significant standard.
What Are the 5 Categories of Stats in Basketball?
Different position players are likely to have higher stats in certain categories. For instance, a guard who takes care of most of the ball handling will likely have more assists than a center, but a center would probably have more blocks since they’re taller and play closer to the basket more. Below are explanations of the types of basketball stats.
Points: The number of shots you make during live play plus the number of free throws you make equals your total points. Points scored are typically the most prominent stat in basketball.
Rebounds: The number of basketballs you secure after a missed shot are called rebounds. An offensive rebound is when a player grabs a missed shot on offense, and a defensive rebound is when a missed shot on defense is secured.
Assists: An assist is when a player sets up a teammate to score with a pass.
Steals: When a player takes a ball away from their opponent by either intercepting a pass or taking it from them while they’re dribbling, it’s called a steal.
Blocks: When a player deflects a shot by an opponent, it’s called a block.
Double-Double Meaning in Basketball
A double-double is when a player achieves at least 10 or more in 2 of the 5 statistical categories. A player that scores 20 points and 10 rebounds would record a double-double. Below are the definitions of the different doubles.
Double-Double: A common double-double involves rebounds and points. For instance, if a player scores 20 points and grabs 10 rebounds, it’s a double-double.
Triple-Double: A triple-double is when a player records double digit numbers in 3 of the 5 categories. The most common triple-double is points, rebounds, and assists.
Quadruple-Double: A quadruple-double is when a player records double digit numbers in 4 of the 5 categories.
Quintuple-Double: A quintuple-double is when a player records double-digit numbers in all 5 categories.
There’s no official documented instance of a quintuple-double in basketball. Wilt Chamberlain had 53 points, 31 rebounds, 14 assists, 24 blocks, and 11 steals in a game on March 18, 1968. The NBA, however, didn’t record blocks and steals until 1973, which meant his quintuple-double didn’t count. Quadruple-doubles are extremely rare, with only 4 being recorded in NBA history. The hardest statistical categories to get to 10 are blocks and steals.
The Importance of a Double-Double in Basketball
It’s incredibly difficult to average a double-double over the course of a season. In the NBA in 2024-2025, 11 players out of 569 (under 2%) ended with a season double-double average and only 1 player averaged a triple-double. Only 3 players in the NBA have ever averaged a triple-double. Most of the double-double games fall into the rebound/points category. Only 1 player averaged a double-double with assists and points in the NBA last year. Every triple-double category for a season that’s been recorded is points, rebounds, and assists. Below are reasons why a double-double is significant.
Impact: If you have a double-double, it shows that you can influence at least 2 parts of a game. The more impact you have on a game, the more likely your team will be successful.
Versatility: A double-double shows that you aren’t just a 1-way player. If you can score points and grab rebounds, you’re hard to guard and you’re likely a good defensive player. The better you do in all 5 statistical categories makes you a more complete player.
Work Ethic: If a player consistently records double-doubles, you know they’re playing hard regularly on defense and offense. A double-double player sets an example for other players on the team.
The Most Common Double-Doubles
Most double-doubles involve points. Players usually don’t finish with single digit points and double digits in any of the other categories, though there are exceptions. Some positions are more likely to get double-doubles in different categories. Below is a description of the possibilities.
Points/Rebounds: This is easily the most common double-double in basketball. Why? Because there’s a larger subset of players who tend to score and rebound than any other combination. Forwards and centers, who are often taller than guards, usually get the most rebounds. It’s not unusual for both positions to be good scorers and rebounders.
Points/Assists: Guards are more likely to get a double-double in the points/assists category. Since they often have the ball in their hands, guards can control where and when to pass the ball to set up a basket for a teammate.
Rebounds/Assists: Double-digit rebounds and assists are the most common double-double that doesn't involve points. A forward or a big guard who has the ball in their hands on offense and is a good rebounder is the most likely player for this accomplishment.
Points/Steals: This is an unlikely combination because it’s hard to reach double-digit steals. If you have 2 or 3 steals in a game, it’s considered very good. In contrast, scoring 10 points is a good standard.
Points/Blocks: A center is most likely to get double-digit blocks and points. However, it’s uncommon to get at least 10 blocks in a game. There was only 1 NBA player that had 10 blocks in a game last season.
Having a player who averages a double-double or gets multiple double-doubles in a season is a huge advantage for a team. A double-double performer is consistently showing up and working hard on both ends of the court. It’s a standard every player can aspire to, but it’s one that’s very difficult to achieve.