LaMelo Ball becomes youngest NBA player with triple-double
CHARLOTTE, N. C .( AP )» LaMelo Ball isn’t wasting any timemaking an impact in the NBA.
The rookie point guard became the youngest player in league history to record a triple-double, with 22 points, 12reboundsand11 assistson 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 triple-double when he finishedwith 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 triple-double by 177 days.
“He’s a tall PG who can pass, can rebound and he’s a smart player,” said Atlanta’s Trae Young. “Things are going tobecome eveneasier for him in this league as he plays more andmore games.”
Terry Rozi er had 23 points to lead the Hornets.
Cam Reddish scored 21 points and De’ Andre Hunter had20 for theHawks. Young struggled all night, shooting 5 of 19 from the floor to finishwith 15 points and 10 assists.
Ball tied his highest scoring night on 9-of-13 shooting fromthefieldas theHornets handed the struggling Hawks their fourth consecutive 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,
butwhat has impressed him the most is his poise and confidence.
“He’s not rattled by the moment. It’s like he’s been doing this for a number of years,” Borrego said of Ball, who played overseas before becoming the third pick in the NBA draft.
Ball had several sharp passes, including a perfect behind-the-back strike to set up a 3-pointer by P.J. Washington.
“It’s tough because you don’t know when it’s coming. He might throw it behind his head, behind his back or straight to you,” jokedWashington, who also had22points andwasonthe receiving end of several of Ball’s passes. “You have to be active and aware when he has the ball. It’s always fun playing with a guy like that.”