LaMelo Ball makes NBA history as he becomes the youngest player ever to get a triple-double

LaMelo Ball isn’t wasting any time making an impact in the NBA as the rookie point guard became the youngest player in league history to record a triple-double.

Ball finished with 22 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists on Saturday night, helping the Charlotte Hornets beat the Atlanta Hawks 113-105 for their third straight win.

‘A 19-year-old rookie does not look like this,’ Hornets coach James Borrego said. ‘This is rare what you’re seeing.’

LaMelo Ball led the Charlotte Hornets to victory over the Atlanta Hawks with a triple-double

Ball shoots over Trae Young as he became the youngest player recorded to get a triple-double

The Charlotte Hornets made it three wins in a row with their 113-105 victory on Saturday night

Ball’s history-making performance came just two nights after he missed out on 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 hasn’t begun to process the accomplishment.

‘I live my life and I know what I´m capable of, so stuff like (this) doesn’t move me like that,’ Ball said. ‘I know that’s supposed to happen.’ 

Ball replaced Markelle Fultz as the youngest NBA player to record a triple-double by 177 days.

‘He’s a tall point guard who can pass, can rebound and he’s a smart player,’ said Atlanta’s Trae Young. ‘Things are going to become even easier for him in this league as he plays more and more games.’

Terry Rozier had 23 points to lead the Hornets in their victory over the Hawks.

Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young endured a frustrating night shooting five for 19 from the floor

Point guard Terry Rozier finished off with 23 points to lead the Hornets with the most points

Cam Reddish scored 21 points and De´Andre Hunter had 20 for the Hawks. Young struggled all night, shooting five of 19 from the floor to finish with 15 points and 10 assists.

Ball tied his highest scoring night on nine-of-13 shooting from the field as 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 coming off the bench.

Borrego said he loves Ball’s spirit and his energy, but what has impressed him the most is his poise and confidence.

The Hornets had three players with 20 plus points with PJ Washington also impressing

‘He’s not rattled by the moment. It’s like he’s been doing this for a number of years,’ Borrego said of Ball, who played overseas before becoming the third pick in the NBA draft.

Ball had several sharp passes, including a perfect behind-the-back strike to set up a three-pointer by P.J. Washington.

‘It’s tough because you don’t know when it’s coming. He might throw it behind his head, behind his back or straight to 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 playing with a guy like that.’

Ball is quickly becoming one of the best passers in the league in his rookie season

Hornets’ stars Ball and Rozier embrace after their efforts inspired their side to victory