After becoming the youngest player in National Basketball League history to record a triple-double, LaMelo Ball notched a second straight triple-double on Saturday.
Ball tallied 25 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists for the Illawarra Hawks in a 91-79 loss to the New Zealand Breakers. He became the first player in the 40-minute era to have consecutive triple-doubles and it is just the fourth back-to-back triple-double in NBL history.
The 18-year-old was less efficient in his outing on Saturday, shooting just 10-of-28 from the field, including 1-of-11 from 3-point range. Though his shot wasn’t falling, Ball stayed productive in the game by getting his teammates involved and working the glass.
🚨 Back to back triple-doubles for LaMelo Ball 🚨
LaMelo becomes the first player during the 40 minute era to have consecutive triple-doubles 🤯 #NBL20
2⃣5⃣ points
1⃣2⃣ rebounds
1⃣0⃣ assists pic.twitter.com/tNPws5rADH— NBL (@NBL) November 30, 2019
Ball helped the Hawks cut the Breakers’ lead to just single digits in the fourth quarter but they were unable to capitalize on opportunities and could not get close enough to tie it up.
The matchup marked the second between Ball and R.J. Hampton as the Breakers are now 2-0 in the season series. Hampton recorded 12 points and four rebounds in the victory over Ball.
After his performance on Saturday, Ball is now averaging 17 points, 7.8 rebounds, seven assists and 1.7 steals for the Hawks, while he is now shooting 37.3% from the field and 24.3% from 3-point range.
The Hawks return to action on Dec. 7 against the Brisbane Bullets.
[lawrence-related id=7518,7499,7467]