A double double in basketball is a statistical accomplishment achieved by a player who accumulates at least 10 of two statistical categories in one game.
The most common double doubles are those that involve points and rebounds, but any combination of 10 of two different categories can qualify as a double double.
Double doubles are a testament to the versatility and productivity of a player, and some NBA superstars have become renowned for their ability to produce double doubles on a consistent basis.
What is Double-Double?
A double double in basketball is a statistical accomplishment achieved by a player who accumulates at least 10 of two different statistical categories in one game.
The most common combination for a double double is points and rebounds, but any combination of two categories can qualify as long as the total amount reaches 10 or more.
For example, a player could record 11 points and 12 assists or 12 points and 11 rebounds, both of which would qualify as a double double.
Importance of achieving a double-double
The importance of achieving a double double in basketball is often overlooked, but it is an impressive accomplishment that shows the true versatility and productivity of a player.
It demonstrates their ability to contribute in multiple areas while still managing to have a positive impact on the game. For example, a player that records 10 points and 10 assists in one game has done more than just score points; they have also created opportunities for their teammates to be successful.
Scoring in Basketball
Points scored
Points scored are the most important statistic in basketball and they reflect a player’s offensive production.
Points can be scored in a variety of ways, including field goals (shots taken from within the three-point arc), three-pointers (shots taken outside the three-point arc), free throws, and layups.
Players who accumulate 10 or more points in a game are said to have achieved a “double-digit scoring game”.
Field goal percentage
Field goal percentage is a key statistic in basketball that reflects the efficiency with which a player makes shots. It is calculated by dividing the number of field goals made by the total number of field goal attempts.
A higher field goal percentage indicates that the player is making more shots and hence, scoring more points. Players who have a high field goal percentage are typically very efficient scorers and can help their team win games.
Rebounding in Basketball
Defensive rebounds
Defensive rebounds are an important statistic in basketball and they reflect a player’s ability to successfully defend against the opposition and prevent them from scoring.
A defensive rebound occurs when a player grabs the ball after it has been missed or blocked by their opponent. Defensive rebounders must be quick and agile as they must fight for position with their opponents to grab the ball before it goes out of bounds.
Offensive rebounds
Offensive rebounds are a key statistic in basketball and they reflect a player’s ability to successfully attack the opposing team and create more scoring opportunities for their team.
An offensive rebound occurs when a player grabs the ball after it has been missed or blocked by their opponent. Offensive rebounders must be quick and aggressive as they often have to fight for position with their opponents to grab the ball before it goes out of bounds.
Assists in Basketball
Definition of an assist
An assist in basketball is the pass made by a player that directly leads to a score by another teammate.
It is an important statistic in basketball and it reflects a player’s ability to find open teammates and create scoring opportunities.
A player must make the pass before the teammate scores for it to count as an assist, otherwise it will be counted as a turnover. Assists can also be credited to the player who passed the ball if it is deflected and then caught by another teammate for a score.
Importance of assists for a double-double
Assists are an important aspect of achieving a double double in basketball, as they can help a player reach the 10-point threshold more easily.
Having a high assist total can also make it easier for a player to accumulate rebounds or steals, which are the other two categories necessary for achieving a double double.
By having multiple assists during a game, players can create easy scoring opportunities for themselves and their teammates, making it more likely that they will reach the double-double mark.
Examples of Players Achieving a Double-Double
Historical examples of players achieving a double-double
Throughout the history of basketball, many players have achieved the impressive feat of a double-double.
Some of the most notable examples come in the form of NBA greats such as Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan. Magic Johnson is not only one of the greatest point guards in NBA history but also holds the record for most career double-doubles with 138.
Meanwhile, Michael Jordan had an impressive double-double streak of 25 consecutive games during the 1989-90 season.
Modern-day examples of players achieving a double-double
Modern-day examples of players achieving a double-double can be found in the NBA as well.
James Harden, Russell Westbrook, and Nikola Jokic are some of the most notable players to have achieved this mark in recent years.
During the 2019-20 season alone, each of these three players recorded at least 15 double doubles. James Harden has been particularly impressive with his ability to routinely put up double-doubles, as he has achieved the feat in 8 consecutive seasons.
Conclusion
A double-double is an impressive statistic in basketball and it reflects a player’s ability to be successful in both attacking and defending the opposing team. It is achieved when a player reaches double digits in two of the five major statistical categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Players must have an all-around game to achieve this mark as they must be able to score, rebound, and create scoring opportunities for their teammates.
Achieving a double-double in basketball is a significant accomplishment and it reflects a player’s ability to have an all-around successful game. Players who are able to achieve this mark consistently often become the stars of their team and can be the difference between winning and losing. It also shows opponents that they must defend against not just one type of play from the player, but many types of play.
