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 their third win then.
“A 19-year-old is not like that,” said Hornets coach James Borrego. “This 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 that 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 get even easier for him in this league as he plays more and more games.”
Terry Rozier had 23 points to lead the Hornets.
Cam Reddish scored 21 points and De’Andre Hunter scored 20 for the Hawks. Young fought all night, hitting 5 of 19 on the floor to finish with 15 points and 10 assists.
Ball tied his highest score of the night with 9 of 13 field shots, while the Hornets handed the Hawks their fourth consecutive 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 is not shaken at the moment. It’s like he has done this for several 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 is difficult because you don’t know when it is coming. He can play behind your head, behind your back or straight at you, ”joked Washington, who also scored 22 points and received several Ball passes. “You have to be active and attentive when he has the ball. It’s always fun to play with a guy like that. “