One night after nearly accomplishing the feat, LaMelo Ball became the youngest player in NBA history to record on triple-double on Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks.
Ball accomplished the feat at 19 years and 140 days old. Markelle Fultz was the previous record-holder at 19 years and 317 days old.
On Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans in his first nationally-televised game in the NBA, Ball finished one assist short of notching a triple-double. The feat would have been both his first career triple-double and would have made him the youngest player to notch one by nearly six months.
The 3rd overall pick got in a spot of trouble with his teammates on Friday night with members of the team scolding the young rookie for the way he was hunting a triple-double in the final seconds of the Charlotte Hornets’ win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Veteran big man Bismack Biyombo, in particular, seemed to be upset with the youngster and had some words for him on the court.
There was no reason for anyone to complain on Saturday however. After falling one assist short of a triple-double against the Pelicans, Ball came out and got the job done against the Atlanta Hawks. In the middle of the fourth quarter, Ball dropped off a pass to PJ Washington, who converted a tough little leaner to give Ball his 10th assist on the night.
At 19 years and 140 days, Ball passes the current record-holder of Fultz, who recorded a triple-double at 19 years and 317 days. Ball’s big third quarter was the catalyst in his triple-double effort on the night. In the third period alone, Ball grabbed five rebounds while handing out two assists.
Melo’s triple-double helped secure a 113-105 victory over the Hawks, his final stat line reading 21 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, 1 turnover, 9/10 from the field and 3/4 from downtown. Quite a turnaround after going scoreless in his NBA debut. LaMelo has been the quiet favourite to win this seasons NBA rookie of the year award but after a performance like this, it’s no doubt he takes home the leagues Rookie of the Month award and establishes himself as the early leader for the award.
Ball has steadily improved during his first month in the league. He entered Saturday’s game averaging 11.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists through nine appearances.
The court vision from LaMelo 😯 pic.twitter.com/GHMwp9hwSo
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 10, 2021
Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.
