CHARLOTTE, NC – LaMelo Ball is not wasting time making an impact in the NBA.
The rookie goalie 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 win. consecutive.
“A 19-year-old debutant doesn’t look like that,” Hornets coach James Borrego said. “It’s 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 victory over his brother Lonzo’s New Orleans Pelicans.
He said he did not start 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 this should happen.
Ball replaced Markelle Fultz as the youngest player in the NBA to record a 177-day triple-double.
“He’s a tall PG who can pass, he can come back and he’s a smart player,” said Trae Young of Atlanta. “Things will become even easier for him in this league as he plays more and more games.”
Ball equalized his highest score night with 9-of-13 shots on the field, while the Hornets handed the Hawks a 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 calmness and confidence.
“He’s not shaken at the moment. It’s like he’s been doing this for a few years,” said Borrego of Ball, who played abroad before becoming third in the NBA Draft.
Ball had several sharp passes, including a perfect kick in the back to set up a 3-pointer by PJ Washington.
“It’s hard because you don’t know when he’s coming. He could throw it behind your head, in the back or straight at you,” joked Washington, who had 22 points and was on the verge of receiving several passes from Ball. . “You have to be active and aware when he has the ball. It’s always fun to play with a guy like that.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.