CHARLOTTE, NC – LaMelo Ball doesn’t waste 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 defeat the Atlanta Hawks 113-105 for their third straight win .
“A 19-year-old rookie doesn’t look like much,” said Hornets coach James Borrego. “This is rare what you see.”
Ball’s historic performance came just two nights after he missed his first triple-double 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 has not yet started processing the achievement.
“I live my life and I know what I’m capable of, so things like this don’t really move me,” said Ball. “I know that has to be done.”
Ball replaced Markelle Fultz as the youngest NBA player to record a triple-double with 177 days.
“He’s a tall PG who can pass, rebound and he’s a smart player,” said Trae Young of Atlanta. “It will become even easier for him in this competition as he plays more and more games.”
Ball tied his highest-scoring night on 9-of-13 shooting from the field when 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 from the bench.
Borrego said he loves Ball’s mind and his energy, but what has impressed him the most is his poise and confidence.
“He’s not upset at the moment. It’s like he’s been doing this for a number of years,” Borrego said of Ball, who played abroad before becoming third-pick in the NBA draft.
Ball had several sharp passes, including a perfect shot to set up a PJ Washington 3-pointer.
“It’s difficult because you don’t know when it’s coming. 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 several of Ball’s passes. “You have to be active and aware when he has the ball. It’s always fun to play with someone like that.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.