In basketball, a double-double is a single-game performance in which a player accumulates ten or more in two of the following five statistical categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocked shots. The most common double-double combinations are points and rebounds for big men and points and assists for guards. Reaching double figures in steals or blocks is extremely rare. When a player reaches double figures in three of the five categories, they have achieved a triple-double. Nearly all triple-doubles consist of points, rebounds, and assists.
The term "double-double" was coined by former NBA player John Shedd in the 1980s. The first "double" in the term refers to the two (double) of the five categories above, and the second "double" refers to accumulating ten or more (typically double digits) in that category. Basically, players need to get 10 or more positive actions in two of the above-mentioned statistical sections. However, it is accepted everywhere around the world that a double-double occurs when 10 or more points and assists are made, and 10 or more rebounds and 10 or more points are made.
Double-doubles are relatively common in NBA and Womens National Basketball Association (WNBA) games, and they can also be achieved in other leagues, including the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and high school basketball. The feat is impressive enough on its own, but some players take their game to another level by racking up double doubles on a regular basis. Notable double-double machines include Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, David Robinson, Shaquille ONeal, LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, and Kevin Durant.
In order for a player to achieve the feat of a double-double, they need to focus on rebounding and assists, in addition to scoring points.