what is a double double in basketball
A double-double in basketball is when a player records at least 10 in two different stat categories in a single game, such as 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Quick Scoop: Core Definition
In basketball, a double-double means a player hits double digits (10 or more) in two of these five stats in one game: points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.
The first “double” refers to doing it in two categories, and the second “double” refers to reaching double-digit numbers in those stats.
Most common double-doubles
- Points + rebounds (often big men/forwards).
- Points + assists (often guards).
- Rarer combos: points + steals, points + blocks, or even rebounds + assists.
An example: if a player finishes with 18 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block, that’s a double-double (points + rebounds).
Why it matters now
Double-doubles are a quick way to show a player is impacting the game in multiple ways, not just scoring.
Modern NBA, WNBA, and NCAA coverage often highlights double-double streaks, like Angel Reese’s run of games with at least 10 points and 10 rebounds, to show consistency and dominance.
Mini FAQ style breakdown
- Does it have to be points and rebounds?
- No. Any two of points, rebounds, assists, steals, or blocks count as long as both are 10 or more.
- Is 9 points and 10 rebounds a double-double?
- No. Both categories must be at least 10.
- Is 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists still just a double-double?
- That’s actually a triple-double (10+ in three categories).
- Are steals and blocks double-doubles rare?
- Yes, getting 10+ steals or blocks is extremely rare, so those double-doubles are especially impressive.
Tiny comparison table
Here’s how a double-double compares to other popular stat feats:
| Term | Requirement (single game) | Example stat line |
|---|---|---|
| Double-double | 10+ in 2 of points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks | [10][1]15 points, 11 rebounds | [5]
| Triple-double | 10+ in 3 of those 5 categories | [9][1]20 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists | [1]
| Quadruple-double | 10+ in 4 categories (extremely rare) | [9][1]14 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists, 10 blocks | [1]
Forum-style angle & trending context
On forums and social media, people often use “double-double” as shorthand for a solid, all-around game, especially for bigs who live around the rim.
In recent seasons, discussions around players like Angel Reese, Nikola Jokić, Domantas Sabonis, and others regularly mention their double-double streaks, using them as proof of consistency and impact on both ends of the floor.
“He may not have dropped 40, but that 18 and 14 double-double shows how much he controlled the game.”
Quick TL;DR
- Double-double = 10+ in two major stat categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks) in one game.
- Most common: points + rebounds or points + assists.
- It’s a go-to benchmark that a player had a strong, well-rounded performance.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.