I have read this question asked so often; What is a double-double in Basketball? In every sport, there are some statistics and categories that tell how a player has been performing on the pitch. However, in basketball, a double-double Is an important statistic that rates players’ excellence.
If you hit a double-double in a game, it shows you have an exceptional performance as it shows a player’s skill in making contact with the ball, as well as their ability to hit the ball with power and precision.
In fact, a player who accumulates double-doubles is often the most valuable in their team lineup. With that being said; In this post, you will learn more about a double-double in basketball which will include:
- Example of a double-double basketball
- Is double-double impressive?
- Are 20 rebounds a double-double?
- What is a triple-double in basketball?
- What stats count toward a triple-double
- What is a quadruple-double in Basketball
So, let’s get started.
What Is A Double-Double In Basketball?
A double-double is an exceptional display in basketball in which a player hit a double-digit figure or more e.g 10 points each in two of the categories below in a game:
- Points
- Rebounds
- Assists
- Steals
- Blocked shots
To be able to hit a double-digit figure in a game in the categories above, then your performance in that game must be off the pace. Some basketball ball players record an average double-double in every match.
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They are arguably one basketball player with skill, and the ability to hit the ball with power. However, you can earn 10 points and 10 assists or 10 points and 10 rebounds, but attaining a double-digit figure in steals and blocks shots categories is gold.
Example Of A Double-Double In Basketball
An example of a double-double in basketball has been established in the first chapter which explains what a double-double is in basketball. And in this chapter, I will share more examples tagged the rare double-double.
There is some double-double that is considered to be special by many basketball fans due to how rare you see basketball or similar game players attain it. One example of a double-double in basketball is 20-20 or double-20.
20-20 is a feat a player earns when they hit double-20 in two of these statistics: points, assists, rebounds, steals, and blocked shots.
Another example is a 30-30, and 40-40. However, the only player in history to ever accumulate 40-40 in a game is Wilt Chamberlain. Wilt Chamberlain is an NBA player and he attained 40-40 eight times in his playing days. He was powerful, skillful, and precise.
Is Double-Double Impressive?
A double-double in basketball is a rare and impressive feat, and it is a sign of a player’s skill and ability. It is more impressive than other types of feats, such as hitting two home runs, because it requires excellence and finesse as well as raw power.
It also means that a player was able to stay focused and concentrate on the game even when his team is behind the counter.
Getting a double-double is a great way to make a mark on the game, and it is something that a player can be proud of for the rest of his career.
Are 20 Rebounds A Double-Double?
No, getting 20 rebounds in one game does not qualify as a double-double, even though it may seem that way.
The double-double is a specific and rare feat, requiring two double digits in each of the two categories: points, assists, rebounds, steals, and blocked shots.
Getting 20 rebounds is impressive but does not fall into the same category as a double-double. There are many different types of double-doubles, including 10-10 and 20-20 double-doubles. While 20 rebound feats are impressive in their own right, it does not compare to the double-double.
In basketball, a double-double represents two double figures.
What Is A Triple-Double In Basketball?
In this chapter, I will share with you about a triple-double in basketball. Unlike a double-double, a triple-double is earned when a player records a double figure or more in three of the stats below in a game:
- Points
- Assists
- Rebounds
- Steals
- Block shots
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Players commonly achieved the triple-double feat by recording 10 or more In points, rebounds, and assists, while some players have recorded it by getting steals, and block shots. For example:
- Ken: 24 points, 10 assists, 11 rebounds
- Tino: 26 assists, 13 steals, 8 block shots
All of the above examples are examples of a triple-double in basketball. It takes a wow performance to attain a triple-double, and you don’t just smash the stats, you lay the memory in fans’ heads. Only two players have been able to record a triple-double for an entire season.
In 1961, Oscar Robertson achieved this feat and Russel Westbrook recorded a triple-double for 3 years from 2016 to 2018.
What Stats Count Towards A Triple Double
5 major statistics count towards a triple-double achievement are:
- Points
- Rebounds
- Assists
- Steals
- Blocked shots
To be able to achieve a triple-double in a game, you need to record 10 or more digits in 3 different above-mentioned statistics. Points are easy, but for rebounds, you must have missed shots and for assists, you can make an imaginable pass, but if your teammate misses the shot, then no assist.
In addition, there are skills at which a player earns a double-double in a game and the common ones are points and rebounds. Steals and block shots are difficult as you need a specific skill and precision.
I can and you can block a shot, but to defend 10 shots in a game, you need to be quick, tall, and with long arms. And to be realistic, it’s only a few players that got those attributes.
However, there are different skills for each statistic, and being the best in the two is not that challenging, but depends on some factors that are outside of your control.
What Is a Quadruple-Double In Basketball?
In the previous chapter, we discussed double-doubles and triple-doubles in basketball. And in this chapter, I will be covering quadruple-doubles in basketball.
Unlike a double-double and triple-double, a quadruple-double is a feat that is achieved in a game when a player records 10 or more in 4 of the different statistics: points, assists, rebounds, steals, and blocked shots.
This is a rare achievement in the history of basketball. We’ve seen the likes of Oscar and Russell achieving a triple-double, but attaining a quadruple has proven to be the most challenging statistic to beat.
The only man I could remember that recorded a quadruple-double is an NBA player named Nate Thurmond. According to Nate Thurmond, the reason why a quadruple-double is such a hard thing to accomplish is because It requires a player to be completely dominant on both ends without being too selfish and without fouling out trying to block every shot or grab every rebound.
He said, to get a quadruple-double, you have to love defense.
Final Thoughts
Part of what makes a great basketball player is hitting statistics. And in this post, I covered some important feats and records that make a valuable player. Part of it is achieving a double-double in a single game.
When a player has to record a double-digit figure in 2 of the 5 different statistics in a single game: points, assists, rebounds, steals, and block shots to earn a double-double record. It’s an achievement any player will be proud of because it tells your impact on the game.
In addition, I discussed similar feats like triple-double and quadruple-double. In the history of basketball, only a few players have been able to record these feats.
