Charlotte Hornets' LaMelo Ball, 19, youngest ever to record triple-double
- by Grant Boone
- in Sports
- — Jan 12, 2021
A night after falling one assist shy of his first career triple-double, LaMelo Ball wouldn't be denied Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks.
At 19 years and 140 days old, the Hornet's Guard became the youngest player in the National Basketball Association to record a triple-double.
Ball, the third overall pick in this year's draft, retained a level head after achieving something he thinks he will only take stock of in retirement. Ball is the first player to come off the bench to score a triple-double for the Hornets, who recorded their third straight win.
One night after missing his first triple-double by one assist, Ball started fast in the first half with nine points, seven assists and four rebounds in 15 minutes. (I'm) just proud of him. The promising rookie got the better of Young this time, but it's nice to see the Hawks superstar still give out credit when it's due.
'A 19-year-old rookie does not look like this, ' Hornets coach James Borrego said.
"I live my life and I know what I'm capable of, so stuff doesn't really move me like that", Ball said about reflection after the Hornets' 113-105 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.
Ball and Hayward have both improved offensive flow, and Hayward is an efficient scorer for sure this season: 22.3 points per game on 49% from the field, 39% from 3 and 91% from the foul line.
"This is rare what you're seeing". "He's humble, he's genuine, he's coachable and I'll leave it there".
In post-match comments, when asked about the ease of his rebounds, LaMelo said it was because he played a lot of 21 growing up. Ball plays under more control than he did in the preseason games, but he still has moments that require correction.
The Trail Blazers led by as many as 31 and faced little resistance from a Kings team that gave up 144 points to Toronto just a night earlier.
Hornets rookie LaMelo Ball is quickly proving the Hornets made a wise investment with his selection at No. 3.
"The main goal is always winning", Ball said. "So whenever we get a win, that's great".
Apart from Ball, Terry Rozier and PJ Washington also had big nights, scoring 23 and 22 points, respectively.
