CHARLOTTE, NC – LaMelo Ball wastes no time in making an impact on the NBA.
The rookie point guard became the youngest player in league history on Saturday night to score a triple-double with 22 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists. That helped the Charlotte Hornets beat the Atlanta Hawks 113-105 for their third straight win.
“A 19-year-old rookie doesn’t look like that,” Hornets coach James Borrego said. “It’s hardly what you see.”
Ball’s historic performance was just two nights after missing his first triple-double when he finished with 12 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists in a win over his brother Lonzo over the New Orleans Pelicans.
He said he had not yet started processing the performance.
“I live my life and I know what I’m capable of, so things do not move me like that,” Ball said. “I know it’s supposed to happen.”
Ball replaces Markelle Fultz as the youngest NBA player to record a triple-double in 177 days.
“He’s a tall PG who can pass, bounce back and he’s a smart player,” said Trae Young, Atlanta. “Things are going to get even easier for him in this league as he plays more and more games.”
Ball equalized his highest points on 9-of-13 shooting from the field when the Hornets lost the struggling Falcons their fourth consecutive loss. He became only the fifth rookie in NBA history to score 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 attitude and confidence.
“He hasn’t rattled yet. It’s like he’s been doing it for a number of years,” Borrego said of Ball, who played overseas before becoming the third pick in the NBA Series.
Ball had several sharp passes, including a perfect strike behind the back to set up a 3-pointer by PJ Washington.
“It’s hard because you do not know when it’s going to come. He might throw it behind his head, behind his back or straight at you,” joked Washington, who had 22 points and was on the receiving end of a number ball possession was. “You have to be active and aware when he has the ball. It’s always nice to play with a guy like that.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.