CHARLOTTE, NC – LaMelo Ball wastes no time making an impact on the NBA.
The novice point guard became the youngest player in league history to record a triple-double with 22 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists on Saturday night, helping Charlotte Hornets beat the Atlanta Hawks 113 to 105 for the third straight win .
“A 19-year-old rookie doesn’t look like that, ” said Hornets coach James Borrego.” It is rare what you are seeing. “
Ball’s striking performance came just two nights after he lost his first triple-double when he finished with 12 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists in his brother Lonzo’s win over New Orleans Pelicans.
He said he has not yet started processing the realization.
“I live my life and I know what I’m capable of, so things like this don’t move me like that,” said Ball. “I know this is supposed to happen.”
Ball replaced Markelle Fultz as the youngest NBA player to record a triple-double for 177 days.
“He is a high PG who can pass, he can recover and he is a smart player, ” said Trae Young of Atlanta.” Things will become even easier for him in this league as he plays more and more games. “
Ball tied his highest score of the night with 9 of 13 field shots, while the Hornets handed the Hawks their fourth straight loss. He became only the fifth newcomer in NBA history to register a triple-double and the first Hornets player to do so off the bench.
Borrego said he loves Ball’s spirit and energy, but what impresses him most is his posture and confidence.
“He’s not shaken by the moment. It’s like he’s been doing it for years,” said Borrego of Ball, who played overseas before becoming the third choice in the NBA draft.
Ball had several accurate passes, including a perfect attack on the back to make a 3-point basket from PJ Washington.
“It’s difficult because you don’t know when it’s coming. He can play behind your head, behind your back or straight at you,” joked Washington, who scored 22 points and received several passes from Ball. “You have to be active and attentive when he has the ball. It’s always fun to play with a guy like that.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.