Ball, 19, youngest to get triple-double
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — La Melo Ball isn’t wasting any time making an impact in the NBA.
The rookie 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 the Charlotte Hornets beat the Atlanta Hawks 113-105 for their third straight win.
“A 19-year-old rookie does not look like this,” Hornets coach James Borrego said. “This is rare what you’re seeing.”
Ball’s history-making performance came just two nights after he missed out on his first tripledouble when he finished with 12 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists in a win over his brother Lonzo’s New Orleans Pelicans.
He said he hasn’t begun to process the accomplishment.
“I live my life and I know what I’m capable of, so stuff like doesn’t move me like that,” Ball said. “I know that’s supposed to happen.”
Ball replaced Markelle Fultz as the youngest NBA player to record a tripledouble by 177 days.
Terry Rozier had 23 points to lead the Hornets.
Cam Reddish scored 21 points and De’Andre Hunter had 20 for the Hawks. Young struggled all night, shooting 5 of 19 from the floor to finish with 15 points and 10 assists.
Ball tied his highest scoring night on 9-of-13 shooting from the field as the Hornets handed the struggling Hawks their fourth straight loss. He became only the fifth rookie in NBA history to record a triple-double and the first Hornets player to do it coming off the bench.
Borrego said he loves Ball’s spirit and his energy, but what has impressed him the most is his poise and confidence.
Ball had several sharp passes, including a perfect behind-the-back strike to set up a 3-pointer by P. J. Washington.
SPURS 125 TIMBERWOLVES 122 (OT)
In Minneapolis, DeMar DeRozan scored 38 points, helping San Antonio beat Minnesota in overtime in Karl-Anthony Towns’ return to the Timberwolves.
DeRozan, who went 13 for 23 from the floor and 12 of 13 from the line, had 13 points after the third quarter and keyed San Antonio’s third straight victory with his relentless drives to the basket.
MAVERICKS 112, MAGIC 98
In Dallas, Tim Hardaway Jr. scored a season-high 36 points, Trey Burke did the same with 29 and Luka Doncic had another tripledouble as short-handed Dallas beat Orlando.
NUGGETS 115, 76ERS 103
In Philadelphia, Nikola Jokic had 15 points and 12 assists to lead Denver past Philadelphia, beating a 76ers team that had only seven available players.
The Sixers tipped without four regular starters — All-Stars Ben Simmons (sore left knee) and Joel Embiid (back) sat due to injury, and Seth Curry and Tobias Harris over virus concerns.
SUNS 125, PACERS 117
In Indianapolis, Mikal Bridges scored a careerhigh 34 points and Devin Booker added 25 as Phoenix pulled into a tie with the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers for the best record in the Western Conference at 7-3 after earning its first road win over the Pacers since 2016.
HEAT 128, WIZARDS 124
In Washington, Tyler Herro scored a career-high 31 points and Jimmy Butler nearly had a triple-double with 26 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists for Miami.
BUCKS 100, CAVALIERS 90
In Milwaukee, Khris Middleton scored 27 points and Milwaukee withstood the absence of two-time reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who sat out with back spasms after taking a hard fall one night earlier in a loss to Utah.
TRAIL BLAZERS 125 KINGS 99
In Sacramento, Calif., CJ McCollum scored a gamehigh 37 points as Portland cruised past Sacramento.