LaMelo Ball becomes youngest player to post a triple-double in NBA history

LaMelo Ball became the youngest player to post a triple-double in NBA history on Saturday and Charlotte Hornets coach James Borrego believes he is a “rare” talent.

At 19 years and 140 days old, Hornets rookie Ball put up 22 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists as Charlotte improved to 5-5 with a 113-105 victory over the Atlanta Hawks at Spectrum Center.

He took the record from Markelle Fultz, who recorded his first triple-double for the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018 aged 19 years and 317 days.

Ball’s triple-double was the first by a Charlotte player since Nic Batum in March 2018, while he became only the second Hornets rookie to achieve the feat after Kemba Walker.

“He just continuously gets better. He’s a special player. He’s not fazed by the moment. It’s like he’s been doing this for a number of years already,” said Hornets head coach Borrego.

“He was special tonight. Playmaking, shotmaking, on the boards, made the right decisions. He’s a special player.

“I love the person, I love the kid, and more than anything I love his spirit, I love what he brings to our locker room, our organisation. Just proud of him, he was fantastic tonight.

“A 19-year-old rookie does not look like this. This is just rare what you’re seeing. I can’t get over this kid, he’s just a wonderful person to be around, he’s humble, he’s genuine, he’s coachable.”

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.

“I live my life and I know what I’m capable of, so stuff like this doesn’t move me like that. I know that’s supposed to happen,” he said.

“I’ve not really processed it yet. Probably when I look back on it after my career when I’m like 40 or something, then I’ll probably look back at everything.”

Ball was one assist away from a triple-double when the Hornets beat the New Orleans Pelicans and his brother Lonzo Ball on Friday, but he denied that provided him with additional motivation against the Hawks.

“I figured I was one assist away during the game, but pretty much the next day I knew we had another basketball game and came to it like I come to every other basketball game,” he said.

“The main goal is always winning. Whenever we get a win, that’s great.”