In basketball, what is a "double-double"?
VerifiedAnswer: Achieving ten or more in two different statistical categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals, or blocks) in a single game.
Explanation:
A double-double is one of basketball's most celebrated achievements, representing a player's well-rounded performance during a single game. When a player reaches double digits (10 or more) in any two of the five major statistical categories, they earn this impressive milestone that showcases their versatility on the court.
The five statistical categories that count toward a double-double are points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Each category represents a different skill set and contribution to the team's success. Points demonstrate scoring ability, rebounds show dominance on the boards, assists reflect playmaking skills, while steals and blocks highlight defensive prowess.
The most common double-double combinations include points and rebounds (typical for forwards and centers), or points and assists (common among guards and playmakers). For example, if a player scores 15 points and grabs 12 rebounds, they've achieved a double-double. Similarly, recording 18 points and 10 assists also qualifies as a double-double.
Less common but equally impressive are double-doubles involving defensive statistics. A player might achieve 12 points and 10 blocks, or 14 rebounds and 11 steals. These combinations are rarer because accumulating double-digit steals or blocks in a single game requires exceptional defensive timing and court awareness.
Double-doubles serve as an important benchmark for evaluating player performance and consistency. Many professional players build their reputations on their ability to regularly achieve double-doubles throughout a season. In fact, averaging a double-double over an entire season is considered a mark of an elite player who consistently contributes in multiple areas of the game.
It's worth noting that there are even more impressive statistical achievements beyond the double-double. A triple-double occurs when a player reaches double digits in three categories, while the extremely rare quadruple-double involves four categories. These achievements become progressively more difficult and spectacular, making the double-double an excellent foundation for understanding basketball statistical excellence.
