CHARLOTTE, NC: LaMelo Ball is not wasting any impactful time in the NBA.
The rookie goalkeeper became the youngest player in league history to record a triple-double with 22 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists on Saturday night, which helped the Charlotte Hornets beat the Atlanta Hawks 113 -105 for his third straight win.
“A 19-year-old rookie doesn’t look like that,” Hornets coach James Borrego said. “That’s weird what you’re seeing.”
Ball’s historic performance came just two nights after losing his first triple-double when he finished with 12 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists in a win against his brother Lonzo’s New Orleans Pelicans.
He said he has not 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,” Ball said. “I know it’s supposed to happen.”
Ball replaced Markelle Fultz as the youngest player in the NBA to record a triple-double for 177 days.
“He’s a tall PG who can pass, he can bounce and he’s a smart player,” said Atlanta’s Trae Young. “Things will get even easier for him in this league as he plays more and more games.”
Ball tied his night with more goals in a 9-of-13 shot from the field when the Hornets handed the Hawks fighters their fourth straight loss. He became only the fifth debutant in NBA history to record a triple-double and the first Hornets player to make it off the bench.
Borrego said he loved Ball’s spirit and energy, but what impressed him the most was his balance and confidence.
“He’s not noisy right now. It’s like he’s been doing this for a few years now,” said Borrego of Ball, who played abroad before becoming the third pick in the draft. the NBA.
Ball had several strong passes, including a perfect hit from behind to set up a PJ Washington triple.
“It’s hard because you don’t know when it’s going to come. I could throw it behind your head, on your back, or straight at you,” joked Washington, who had 22 points and was on the receiving end of several passes. of Ball. “You have to be active and aware when you have the ball. It’s always fun to play with a guy like that.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.