LaMelo Ball knew during Friday’s game against the Pelicans that he was one assist away from his first career triple-double, one that would make him the youngest player in league history to accomplish that feat. Ultimately, he finished one agonizing assist shy of history.
On Saturday, he left no doubt.
The 19-year-old Ball earned his triple-double and then some against the Hawks, tallying 22 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists as Charlotte won its third game in four days and second against Atlanta in that span, 113-105.
“He just continuously gets better,” head coach James Borrego said. “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. He was special tonight.
“He’s a special player and I love the person, I love the kid. More than anything, I love his spirit. I love what he brings to our locker room, our organization. (I’m) just proud of him. He’s fantastic. He was fantastic tonight.”
“I feel like it’s a great accomplishment, but I feel like it lies on for my family,” Ball added of his triple-double. “I feel like their more proud of me, so good for my mom and pop. But for me, like I said, I just go out there and play basketball.
“I’ve not really processed it yet. Probably when I look back on it after my career when I’m 40 or something then I’ll probably look back at everything.”
Charlotte controlled much of the game from the second quarter on but it was the third quarter for Ball where another triple-double became a possibility. After nine points, seven assists and four rebounds in the first half, Ball checked in at the 7:20 mark of the second half and, within three in-game minutes, had his eighth and ninth assists.
Then, Ball showcased his rebounding, something he’s excelled at in recent games, by pulling down five rebounds over the final five minutes of the third. His seven points in the final 4:30 of the quarter doubled his tally and made a triple-double a distinct possibility as he entered the final quarter needing just one rebound and one assist.
Before he could do either of those things, though, he buried a stepback three-pointer that put the hosts up double digits. After securing his rebound early in the period, Ball found P.J. Washington on the roll after a ball screen and the forward converted his fadeaway jumper for Ball’s triple-double.
“It’s like he’s been doing this for a number of years,” Borrego said. “A 19-year-old rookie does not look like this. This is just rare what you’re seeing. I think the biggest surprise is just been the person. 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.”
Most important to it all on the night was Ball’s contributions came in the flow of the offense and helped Charlotte move to .500 on the season. In the second half, Ball finished with a plus-minus of +6, best on the team, in 16 minutes. His +18 mark in total on the night also ranked best on the team.
“Melo looks great,” Washington said. “His whole life, he’s been playing up. He’s played against top competition his whole life. So, I don’t think this is anything new for him. He’s just coming in here and learning and asking a lot of questions and he wants to be the best version of himself. We love him here and he’s playing his butt off. I’m just glad he’s on our team.”
Unlike Friday, the Hornets did not fall behind by double digits in the first half despite another slow start. The lead never reached larger than five points and when Ball knocked down a fadeaway elbow jumper to put the Hornets up 45-44 with 4:09 left in the second period, Charlotte never looked back.
“The main goal is always winning,” Ball said. “I feel like in life too, you always want to win. So whenever we get a win, that’s great.”
Terry Rozier led the way in scoring with a game-high 23 points while Washington matched Ball’s points total with 22 to go along with six blocks. Caleb Martin finished with 15 off the bench.
Ball’s triple-double set a number of notable milestones. He became just the ninth player in NBA history to record a triple-double in his first 10 games with Ben Simmons the most recent to accomplish that feat in 2017. He became the second rookie to notch a triple-double in Hornets history, joining Kemba Walker.
He is just the fifth rookie in NBA history to finish with a triple-double off the bench and one of three to do it with 20 points. He’s the first reserve since Evan Turner for Portland in 2019 to record one.