Have you ever found yourself watching a basketball game, hearing the announcers talk about a player’s “double-double,” and wondering what is a double double in basketball?
Don’t worry; you’re not alone. I remember being in the same boat not too long ago, feeling confused and left out of the basketball lingo.
I’m here to demystify the concept of a double-double in basketball. 🏀
In this blog post, we’ll explore what a double-double is, how it’s achieved, and why it’s such an important statistical achievement in the game.
With a little bit of empathy and my own experience as a basketball fan, we’ll break down the barriers and make the world of double-doubles in basketball accessible to everyone.
So, let’s lace up our imaginary basketball shoes and hit the court together!
Double-Doubles: What the Heck Are They?
A double-double in basketball is when a player achieves double digits (10 points or more) in two of the five main statistical categories during a single game. ⛹🏼♀️
These categories are points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.
Just between you and me, it’s a pretty impressive accomplishment that showcases a player’s versatility and skill.
Double-Double Points
As I mentioned earlier, a basketball player needs to reach double figures (at least 10) in two of the main statistical categories to get a double-double.
For example, if a basketball player scores 12 points and grabs 10 rebounds, they’ve just earned themselves a double-double!
NBA Double-Doubles
In NBA games, a double-double is just as significant as in any other basketball game.
It showcases a player’s ability to contribute to their team’s success in multiple areas. For example, imagine a point guard dishing out 15 assists and scoring 10 points in a game.
That’s not just a double-double; that’s a testament to their ability to create opportunities for their teammates and put points on the board. 💯
Now, if you really want to impress your friends at the next basketball trivia night, don’t forget to mention the elusive triple-double, which requires a player to achieve double digits in three of the main statistical categories.
And, for the ultimate bragging rights, the ultra-rare quadruple-double, where a player reaches double figures in four categories.
Though I must mention that there are only a handful of basketball players who have achieved this and the ones who have basically invented the basketball hoop.
You will learn more about these stunning basketball achievements later in the article.
Why “Double-Double”?
The question that’s been on everyone’s mind since the beginning of time (or at least since the beginning of basketball).
So, why is it called a double-double? 🤔
Well, to be honest with you, there isn’t a clear answer.
Some speculate that it originated from the fast-paced nature of basketball, where the term “double” signifies two things happening at once.
Others believe it’s because getting double digits in two categories is quite an accomplishment, hence the double double.
Personally, I like to think it’s because it sounds fun to say. Try it with me now, “double-double.” See? It just rolls off the tongue! 👅
Whatever the origin may be, one thing’s for sure – a double-double in basketball is an impressive feat that deserves recognition.
So next time you hear someone mention it, give them a nod of respect, and maybe even throw in a “double-double” chant for good measure.
How Common Are Double-Doubles? More Than Crazy Uncle’s Theories
As a basketball fan and self-proclaimed double-double machine, let me tell you that double-doubles are pretty common in the game. 🏀
It’s not uncommon for a basketball player to achieve double digits in two of the five main statistical categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks) in a single game.
In fact, there are some common double-double combinations that players aim for. For example, a player might strive to achieve 10 points and 10 rebounds or 15 points and 10 assists.
These combinations are not only impressive but also essential to a player’s contribution to their team’s success.
But, just how common are double-doubles?
Well, let’s take a look at the numbers. As of the end of the 2021 NBA season, the record for most double-doubles in a single season belongs to Wilt Chamberlain, who achieved an astonishing 78 double-doubles in the 1961-62 season.
And that’s not all; he also holds the NBA record for the most double-doubles in NBA history with a staggering 968! ✅
But it’s not just the big names that achieve double-doubles. In fact, during the 2020-21 season, there were a total of 947 double-doubles recorded by 226 different players.
That’s almost three double-doubles per game!
Nikola Jokic got the most double-doubles in a season, with a total of 60.
Cool Basketball Stats Besides Double-Doubles
While double-doubles and triple-doubles may be the most well-known statistical achievements in basketball, there are several other accomplishments that players strive for.
Let me walk you through them.
#1 Triple-double
As we previously discussed, a triple-double occurs when a player reaches double digits in three of the five main statistical categories in a single game.
This achievement is no easy feat and requires a player to excel in multiple areas of the game.
Most triple-doubles are considered a significant accomplishment and are often celebrated by fans and teammates alike.
#2 Quadruple-Double: Basketball’s Unicorn
A quadruple-double is an unofficial achievement that occurs when a player reaches double digits in four of the five main statistical categories in a single game. ⛹🏿
Although it is uncommon, only a few basketball players in history have achieved this feat. It’s a testament to a player’s versatility and skill on the court.
#3 Quintuple-Double: When Double-Doubles Aren’t Enough
Believe it or not, there’s an even more impressive achievement than a quadruple-double – the quintuple-double.
This unofficial accomplishment occurs when a player reaches double digits in all five of the main statistical categories in a single game.
While it has never officially been achieved in an NBA game, some players have come close.
#4 Five-by-Five: As Fun to Say as to Achieve
Last but not least, we have the five-by-five achievement, which occurs when a player reaches at least five in each of the five statistical categories in a single game.
It’s a rare accomplishment that showcases a player’s well-rounded abilities on the court.
Double-double Champions
Now that we’ve covered the basics of double-doubles in basketball, let’s take a look at some of the players who have achieved the most double-doubles in NBA history. 📚
Here’s a table showcasing the top 10 double-double record holders as of the end of the 2021 NBA season:
Rating
| Rank | Player | Total Double-Doubles |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wilt Chamberlain | 968 |
| 2 | Russell Westbrook | 184 |
| 3 | Russell Westbrook | 784 |
| 4 | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | 1,173 |
| 5 | Elvin Hayes | 1,105 |
| 6 | Tim Duncan | 841 |
| 7 | Karl Malone | 814 |
| 8 | Shaquille O’Neal | 668 |
| 9 | Hakeem Olajuwon | 646 |
| 10 | Kevin Garnett | 643 |
As you can see, the top 10 players on this list are some of the greatest basketball players of all time, and achieving a high number of double-doubles is a testament to their training and skill. 👏🏻
Double-Doubles in Commentary: Where Basketball Meets Language
If you’re an avid basketball fan, you’ve likely heard commentators and analysts use the term “double-double” in their commentary. 🎙
Here’s a table showcasing some examples of how the term is used in basketball commentary.
Some examples:
LeBron James with another double-double, racking up 20 points and 10 rebounds in tonight’s game.”
Used to highlight a player’s performance in multiple statistical categories.
“The center is a double-double machine, averaging 15 points and 12 rebounds per game.”
Used to describe a player’s consistency in achieving double-digit figures in two statistical categories.
“Anthony Davis is on pace to have a triple-double tonight, already racking up 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists in the first quarter.”
used to predict a player’s potential achievement of triple-doubles.
As you can see, the term “double-double” is used in a variety of ways in basketball commentary, from highlighting a player’s consistency to predicting their potential for achieving triple-doubles.
It’s become a common term in the basketball lexicon and is a testament to the importance of achieving double-digit figures in multiple statistical categories.
My Final Two Cents
We covered all the essential aspects of double-doubles in basketball, including the different types, top record holders, and other statistical achievements in the game.
Whether you’re a fan of basketball or just learning about it, understanding double-doubles is a crucial part of appreciating the game’s nuances.
So, next time you’re watching a game, keep an eye out for those players who achieve double digits in two of the five main statistical categories and celebrate their accomplishments.
Who knows, maybe you’ll even witness the next quadruple-double or quintuple-double in NBA history. 🏀
