In the world of basketball, certain statistical achievements stand out as hallmarks of a player’s all-around performance and impact on the game. Among these, the “double-double” is a frequently cited and highly respected feat. Recently, WNBA star Angel Reese made headlines by achieving a double-double in a record-breaking 15 consecutive games, surpassing Candace Parker’s previous league record. This accomplishment has sparked renewed interest in understanding exactly what constitutes a double-double and its significance in basketball.
So, what is a double-double in basketball? Simply put, a double-double occurs when a player accumulates double-digit figures in two of the five main statistical categories during a single game. These categories are: points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals. For instance, in Angel Reese’s record-setting streak, her double-doubles were composed of at least 10 points and 10 rebounds in each game. This consistent performance highlights her scoring ability and dominance on the boards.
Understanding the Double-Double: More Than Just Points
While points are often the most highlighted statistic in basketball, a double-double emphasizes a player’s versatility and contribution across multiple facets of the game. Achieving double digits in categories beyond scoring, such as rebounds, assists, blocks, or steals, demonstrates a more well-rounded and impactful performance.
- Points: The most fundamental statistic, representing the player’s scoring contribution.
- Rebounds: Crucial for controlling possession and limiting opponent’s second chances.
- Assists: Reflect a player’s playmaking ability and contribution to team offense.
- Blocks: Showcase defensive prowess and rim protection.
- Steals: Indicate active and disruptive defense, leading to turnovers and fast-break opportunities.
A double-double, therefore, is a testament to a player’s ability to influence the game in multiple ways, not just through scoring.
Double-Double Records Across Basketball Leagues
The double-double is recognized and celebrated across all levels of basketball, from the WNBA and NBA to NCAA competitions. Let’s explore some notable records associated with this impressive statistic.
WNBA Double-Double Records
The WNBA has witnessed remarkable double-double performances throughout its history.
- Most Double-Doubles in a Season: Alyssa Thomas of the Connecticut Sun set the single-season record with an astounding 28 double-doubles in the 2023 season, showcasing her consistent all-around impact.
- Most Career Double-Doubles: Tina Charles holds the WNBA record for career double-doubles with an impressive 194, highlighting her sustained excellence over many seasons.
- Consecutive Double-Doubles: Angel Reese recently broke the record for consecutive double-doubles with 15 games in 2024, surpassing Candace Parker’s previous record of 12 games from 2009-10.
NBA Double-Double Records
The NBA, with its rich history, boasts some truly incredible double-double records, many held by legendary players.
- Most Career Double-Doubles: Wilt Chamberlain dominates this category with an astonishing 968 career double-doubles. Since the NBA-ABA merger in 1976, Tim Duncan leads with 841 double-doubles, a testament to his consistent excellence.
- Consecutive Double-Doubles: Wilt Chamberlain also holds the NBA record for consecutive double-doubles, achieving this feat in an incredible 227 straight games between 1964 and 1967. In more recent times, Domantas Sabonis recorded 61 straight double-doubles in the 2023-24 season, the longest streak since the merger.
- Most Double-Doubles in a Season: Unsurprisingly, Wilt Chamberlain again holds this record with 81 double-doubles in the 1966-67 season while playing for the San Francisco Warriors.
NCAA Double-Double Records (Men’s)
College basketball also celebrates double-double achievements, with notable records in the NCAA.
- Most Double-Doubles in a Season: The NCAA men’s record for single-season double-doubles is shared by Enrique Freeman (Akron), David Robinson (Navy), and Armando Bacot (North Carolina), each achieving 31 double-doubles in a season. Armando Bacot stands out as the only player to record a double-double in all six games of the NCAA tournament.
- Most Career Double-Doubles: Garret Kerr, formerly of the University of the Sciences (now Saint Joseph’s), holds the NCAA men’s career record with 89 double-doubles between 2011 and 2015.
NCAA Double-Double Records (Women’s)
NCAA women’s basketball also has its share of double-double record holders, including Angel Reese herself.
- Most Double-Doubles in a Season: Angel Reese set the NCAA women’s single-season record with 34 double-doubles during LSU’s national championship-winning season in 2022-23.
- Most Career Double-Doubles: Courtney Paris of Oklahoma holds the NCAA women’s career record with an astounding 128 double-doubles from 2006 to 2009. Remarkably, she also achieved a double-double in 112 consecutive games, a record in itself.
The Significance of the Double-Double
In conclusion, a double-double is more than just a statistical anomaly; it’s a representation of a player’s comprehensive impact on the game. It signifies versatility, consistency, and a broad skillset that contributes to team success in multiple ways. Whether it’s Angel Reese’s dominant performances in the WNBA or Wilt Chamberlain’s legendary double-double streaks in the NBA, this statistic continues to be a celebrated measure of all-around basketball excellence.
