What Does Double Double Mean in Basketball? | Complete Guide & Examples For 2026

A double double in basketball occurs when a player records double-digit numbers in two of the five major statistical categories points, rebounds, assists, steals, or blocks in a single game. For example, scoring 12 points and grabbing 10 rebounds would be a double double.

Basketball is full of stats, jargon, and milestones, but few achievements carry the universal recognition of a double double. Whether you’re a casual fan or an aspiring player, understanding what this term means, where it came from, and why it matters can deepen your appreciation of the game. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the coveted double double.

Basketball stats can be overwhelming, especially for new fans. Points, assists, rebounds, steals, blocks the numbers can pile up fast. But amidst this sea of statistics, some achievements stand out for their combination of skill, versatility, and consistency. One such achievement is the double double.

Whether it’s LeBron James dominating the court with points and rebounds, or Chris Paul dishing out points and assists, the double double is a mark of a well-rounded performance. In this article, we’ll explain everything about double doubles, using clear examples, comparisons, and even some fun facts along the way. 🏀

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Definition and Explanation of Double Double

Double Double in Basketball:

A double double occurs when a player accumulates 10 or more in two statistical categories during a single game. The most common categories involved are:

• Points (PTS)
• Rebounds (REB)
• Assists (AST)
• Steals (STL)
• Blocks (BLK)

Key Points:

• The two stats must each reach double digits (10 or more).
• The categories can vary depending on the player’s position. For example, centers often combine points and rebounds, while guards may have points and assists.
• Double doubles are a sign of versatility and an all-around impactful performance.

Example:

• Player scores 15 points and grabs 12 rebounds → ✅ Double Double
• Player scores 8 points and gets 11 assists → ❌ Not a double double (points below 10)

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Origin of the Term

The term “double double” has roots in American basketball commentary from the mid-20th century. Broadcasters needed a catchy way to highlight standout performances beyond just scoring.

• Historical Use: Popularized in the NBA and college basketball in the 1960s and 1970s.
• Why “Double Double”? It reflects the player achieving double digits in two categories, emphasizing statistical excellence.
• Media Influence: Sportswriters and announcers made it mainstream, leading to its current usage across all levels of basketball.

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Why Double Doubles Are Popular in Basketball

Double doubles are celebrated for several reasons:

1. Show of Versatility: A player excelling in multiple areas of the game demonstrates all-around skill.
2. Impact on Winning: Players contributing in points, rebounds, or assists help their team in multiple ways.
3. Statistical Recognition: Double doubles are easy to highlight in box scores, commentary, and player records.
4. Fan Engagement: Fans love tracking milestones like double doubles, triple doubles, and quadruple doubles.

🏀 Fun Fact: Some of the NBA’s all-time greats, like Tim Duncan and Shaquille O’Neal, were known for consistently racking up double doubles.

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How Double Doubles Are Recorded

Recording a double double is straightforward but requires understanding stat tracking:

• Official Scorekeepers: In professional games, statisticians track points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.
• Box Score: After the game, stats are published in a box score, showing each player’s contributions.
• Criteria: Any combination of two categories reaching 10+ counts.

Example Table of Double Double Statistics:

Player	Points	Rebounds	Assists	Steals	Blocks	Double Double?
LeBron James	28	11	7	2	1	✅ Yes
Chris Paul	14	4	10	1	0	✅ Yes
Rudy Gobert	8	15	2	1	3	❌ No

As shown above, the double double depends solely on reaching double digits in any two categories.

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Examples of Double Doubles

Friendly Example:

• Player A: 22 points, 13 rebounds → Players love this stat line for showing scoring and rebounding prowess.

Neutral Example:

• Player B: 15 points, 11 assists → Solid performance, but less flashy than points+rebounds for fans who focus on scoring.

Negative/Dismissive Example:

• Player C: 10 points, 10 turnovers → Technically a “double double” in points and turnovers 😅, but clearly not celebrated.

Important: Only positive categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks) are counted for official double doubles.

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Comparison With Related Basketball Terms

Term	Meaning	Example
Double Double	10+ in any two categories (PTS, REB, AST, STL, BLK)	12 PTS + 10 REB
Triple Double	10+ in any three categories	15 PTS + 11 REB + 10 AST
Quadruple Double	10+ in four categories	12 PTS + 11 REB + 10 AST + 10 STL
Five-by-Five	5+ in each category (PTS, REB, AST, STL, BLK)	12 PTS + 7 REB + 6 AST + 5 STL + 5 BLK

Double doubles are often the first step toward achieving more complex milestones like a triple double.

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Alternate Meanings of Double Double

While primarily a basketball term, “double double” can have other meanings, though context is key:

• Coffee Order: In Canada (especially Tim Hortons), a “double double” refers to coffee with two creams and two sugars.
• Gaming: Sometimes used in arcade or online games to denote double score or bonus.
• Other Sports: Occasionally mentioned in baseball or hockey, but basketball is where it’s most formalized.

In basketball articles, always clarify the context to avoid confusion with coffee or other uses. ☕

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Tips for Achieving a Double Double

If you’re a player looking to rack up double doubles, here are practical tips:

1. Focus on Two Categories: Decide your strength areas (e.g., points and rebounds for bigs, points and assists for guards).
2. Rebounding Technique: Positioning, timing, and boxing out increase chances for double-digit rebounds.
3. Playmaking: Distribute the ball effectively to boost assists.
4. Consistent Scoring: Find reliable scoring methods, like mid-range jumpers or drives to the basket.
5. Defensive Awareness: Blocks and steals can contribute, but usually secondary to points, rebounds, or assists.

Practice consistently and track your stats in games. Setting a goal for double-digit performance can boost focus and overall game impact.

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FAQs

1. What is a double double in basketball simple terms?
A double double happens when a player scores 10 or more in two key stats, like points and rebounds.

2. Which categories can a double double include?
Points, rebounds, assists, steals, or blocks.

3. Who holds the record for the most double doubles in NBA history?
Tim Duncan holds one of the highest double double totals, though active leaders like LeBron James are also prominent.

4. Is a double double always points and rebounds?
No, any two categories reaching 10 or more counts.

5. Can turnovers count in a double double?
No, only positive stats like points, rebounds, assists, steals, or blocks.

6. How does a double double compare to a triple double?
A triple double requires reaching 10 or more in three categories, not two.

7. Is double double only used in the NBA?
No, it’s used in NBA, WNBA, college basketball, and even high school games.

8. Why do fans celebrate double doubles?
It shows versatility and a strong contribution to the team, making it a highlight-worthy performance.

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Conclusion

The double double is more than just a statistic; it represents a player’s versatility, impact and skill on the court. From its origins in mid-20th-century basketball commentary to its status today as a celebrated milestone, achieving a double double is a goal that highlights a player’s all-around contribution.

For fans, tracking double doubles adds depth to watching games, while for players, it’s a benchmark of performance. By understanding the term, recognizing the categories involved and appreciating its place among other milestones like triple doubles and quadruple doubles, you can fully enjoy this essential basketball achievement.

🏀 Pro Tip: Keep an eye on players consistently racking up double doubles they’re often the backbone of their teams!