Amanda Knapp
In basketball, a double-double is a single-game achievement where a player accumulates double-digit figures in two of the five main statistical categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. This means that a player can achieve a double-double in various ways, such as by scoring 10 points and 10 rebounds or 10 assists and 10 steals. The versatility of the double-double makes it a desirable statistic for players as it showcases their diverse skills and versatility on the court, regardless of their position.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Accumulating double digits in two of the five statistical categories |
| Statistical categories | Points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocked shots |
| Examples | 10 rebounds and 10 assists, 10 points and 10 rebounds |
| Streak record holder | Wilt Chamberlain (227 consecutive games) |
| Youngest player to record a double-double | Tracy McGrady (18 years and 175 days) |
| Oldest player to record a double-double | Dikembe Mutombo (42 years and 289 days) |
| Benefits | Players become versatile and multi-skilled |
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What You'll Learn
Double-doubles are versatile
In basketball, a double-double is a single-game performance in which a player accumulates double-digit figures in any two of the five statistical categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. The first "double" in the term refers to the two categories, and the second "double" refers to accumulating ten or more in those categories.
The versatility of double-doubles is also evident in the variety of combinations that can be achieved. While points and rebounds are the most common combination, other possibilities include points and assists, which is more common for guards, or even points and steals, which is more achievable for smaller players. Additionally, double-doubles can be pursued by players regardless of their primary skill set. For example, expert shooters can improve their dribbling and passing skills, while players who excel at rebounding can work on their scoring techniques. By developing a diverse skill set, players can increase their versatility and improve their chances of achieving a double-double.
The occurrence of double-doubles has become more frequent in the NBA due to two main reasons. Firstly, the pace of the standard NBA game has increased, resulting in a higher number of possessions and more opportunities for players to accumulate statistics. Secondly, the modern NBA game has become more positionless, allowing players in all positions to contribute to a wider range of statistical categories. This versatility in player roles has contributed to the rise in double-doubles.
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Triple-doubles and quadruple-doubles
A double-double in basketball is achieved when a player accumulates double-digit figures in two of the five main statistical categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. A triple-double, then, is achieved when a player reaches double-digit figures in three of these five categories. This is a less common feat, but still occurs regularly each NBA season.
A quadruple-double is an even rarer achievement, with only four players having officially recorded a quadruple-double in NBA history. To achieve a quadruple-double, a player must reach double-digit figures in four of the five statistical categories. The first recorded quadruple-double was achieved by Houston Rockets center Hakeem Olajuwon in 1990. There was some contention over the stats, and the totals were later adjusted to 29 points, 18 rebounds, 11 blocks, and 9 assists. However, Olajuwon achieved another quadruple-double less than a month later, with 18 points, 16 rebounds, 11 blocks, and 10 assists.
A similar term to triple and quadruple-doubles is the "five-by-five". This is when a player accumulates a total of five in all five statistical categories. A "six-by-five" is when a player achieves at least six in all five categories. Only two players have recorded multiple five-by-fives: Hakeem Olajuwon (six times) and Andrei Kirilenko (three times).
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Consecutive double-doubles
A double-double in basketball is a single-game performance in which a player accumulates double-digit figures in two of the five main statistical categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Consecutive double-doubles, therefore, refer to when a player achieves this feat in back-to-back games.
Some notable records for consecutive double-doubles include Wilt Chamberlain's NBA record of 227 straight games with a double-double from 1964 to 1967. This incredible streak spanned almost three consecutive NBA seasons, highlighting Chamberlain's dominance and versatility on the court. Chamberlain also holds the second and third-longest streaks of 220 and 133 consecutive games, respectively.
In the WNBA, Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky made history by recording a double-double in 15 straight games, breaking the previous record of 12 consecutive games set by Candace Parker during the 2009-10 season.
At the collegiate level, Courtney Paris of the Oklahoma Sooners achieved an impressive streak of 112 straight games with a double-double from 2006 to 2009.
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Double-double special
In basketball, a double-double is a highly desirable single-game achievement. It occurs when a player accumulates double-digit figures in two of five statistical categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. For example, a player might score 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Notably, the player's performance in the other three categories is irrelevant to achieving a double-double.
The term "double-double" refers to the two instances of "double": the two categories and the double-digit figure in each. The most common combinations for a double-double are points and rebounds for big men, and points and assists for guards. However, smaller players have achieved double-doubles by combining points with assists or steals. The versatility of the double-double means that any player, regardless of position, can achieve it.
While achieving a double-double is impressive, the NBA classifies some double-doubles as "special." This distinction is earned when a player achieves 30 or 40 in each of the two statistical categories. For example, a player might score 30 points and 30 rebounds.
To increase the likelihood of achieving a double-double, players should strive to be versatile and multi-skilled. Focusing on a single skill may limit a player's opportunities to impact the game. By broadening their skillset, players can increase their game time and build their stats more effectively.
The frequency of double-doubles in the NBA has increased due to two main factors. Firstly, the pace of the standard NBA game has increased, resulting in more possessions per game and, consequently, more opportunities to accumulate stats. Secondly, the modern NBA game is positionless, allowing players in all positions to put up stats that may not be traditionally associated with their specific roles.
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Double-doubles in the WNBA
A double-double is a popular statistical achievement in basketball where a player accumulates a double-digit total in two of five statistical categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocked shots) in a single game. This means that any player who gets 10 or more in two of these individual stats achieves a double-double. The most common double-double combinations are points and rebounds, followed by points and assists.
Double-doubles are a well-known statistic in the WNBA, with Angel Reese making history by recording a double-double in a record-breaking 15 straight games. The previous record was held by Candace Parker, who achieved 12 consecutive double-doubles during the 2009-2010 seasons. Tina Charles holds the record for the most career double-doubles in WNBA history, with 194. In 2023, Alyssa Thomas set a WNBA single-season record with 28 double-doubles.
Triple-doubles, where a player accumulates double-digit totals in three of the five statistical categories, are rarer in the WNBA than in the NBA. This is due to several factors, including shorter game and season lengths, and a more team-oriented playing style. As of the 2025 season, 55 triple-doubles have been recorded in the WNBA, with Alyssa Thomas holding the record for the most career triple-doubles.
Some notable triple-double achievements in the WNBA include:
- Caitlin Clark becoming the first rookie to record a triple-double, with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 13 assists.
- Sheryl Swoopes recording the first-ever WNBA triple-double on July 27, 1999, finishing with 14 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists.
- Lisa Leslie achieving the only triple-double in WNBA history with blocks: 29 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 blocks.
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Frequently asked questions
A double-double occurs when a player accumulates a double-digit total in two of five statistical categories (assists, blocks, points, rebounds and steals) in a single game.
The five statistical categories are assists, blocks, points, rebounds, and steals.
Yes, an example of a double-double is a player scoring 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
