Even as a rookie, LaMelo Ball does not seem to be wasting any time making an impact in the NBA. On Saturday, the rookie point guard became youngest player ever to record a triple-double with 22 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists, aiding the Charlotte Hornets defeat the Atlanta Hawks 113-105 for their third consecutive win.
On Friday, the No. 3 overall pick got into some trouble with his teammates for the way he was hunting a triple-double in the final seconds of the Hornets’ game against the Pelicans. Bismack Biyombo particularly seemed to be upset with the youngster and had some words for him on the court. He finished that night with 12 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists in a win over his brother Lonzo Ball’s team.
After falling short of one assist for a triple-double against the Pelicans, Ball got the job done against the Atlanta Hawks. In the middle of the fourth quarter, Ball dropped a pass to PJ Washington, who converted a tough leaner, giving Ball his tenth assist of the night.
After the game, Ball was not making a great deal out of his accomplishment. “I live my life and I know what I’m capable of, so stuff like this doesn’t move me like that,” said Ball. “I know that’s supposed to happen.”
At 19 years and 140 days, the budding star surpassed the previous record of 19 years and 317 days, which was held by Markelle Fultz.
His coach, James Borrego, acknowledged that Ball’s performance was special. “A 19-year-old rookie does not look like this,” said coach Borrego. “He’s not rattled by the moment. It’s like he’s been doing this for a number of years,” he added.
