LaMelo Ball youngest with triple-double as Hornets clip Hawks

Ball had 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists in the Hornets' win over the Atlanta Hawks at 19 years and 140 days of age, passing the previous record-holder Markelle Fultz who had his first triple-double at 19 years and 317 days old.

"I live my life and I know what I'm capable of, so stuff like doesn't move me like that", Ball said. I also think that when Ball plays 31 minutes - as he did Saturday - he is a starter in every sense except hearing his name announced before games.

Coming into the game against the Hawks, Ball was averaging 11.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists.

P.J. Washington added 22 points for Charlotte.

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.

PHILADELPHIA - Nikola Jokic had 15 points and 12 assists to lead Denver past Philadelphia, beating a 76ers team that had only seven available players because of injuries and COVID-19 protocols. What astonishes a lot of people is that he's a 19-year-old rookie, who weighs a 180 pounds.

Ball was the third overall draft pick. "It's like he's been doing this for a number of years already", said Hornets head coach Borrego.

Ball had several sharp passes, including a ideal behind-the-back strike to set up a 3-pointer by P.J. Washington. As the youngest of the three Ball brothers, the third being LiAngelo, LaMelo would have had someone to play ball with always.

Ball and the Hornets take on the New York Knicks - also having a surprisingly good season so far - tomorrow AUS time.

Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 39 points in 44 minutes on 18-of-33 shooting in his first career start, and Isaiah Joe had 13 points.

The 6-foot-7 Washington has been asking the play the 5 position for the Hornets when they go to a small-ball lineup and he has responded well. "So whenever we get a win, that's great".

Antetokounmpo sat out with back spasms after taking a hard fall one night earlier in a loss to the Utah Jazz. He actually outplayed Young, who figured in another off night for the second game in a row against the Hornets.