LaMelo Ball Becomes Youngest Player in NBA History to Get Triple-Double

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His brother did this feat a few years ago. Now LaMelo Ball becomes the youngest player to ever get a triple-double.

(PHOTO CREDIT: Jacob Kupferman/AP.)

LaMelo Ball showed what he could do for the second consecutive game. After missing out on a triple-double when he was going against the Pelicans (and his older brother, Lonzo), he achieved the feat in a win against the Hawks on Saturday. LaMelo came off the bench to put up 22 points, 12 boards, and 11 assists. He is now the youngest NBA player to get a triple-double at 19 years and 140 days. The previous record-holder? Markelle Fultz at 19 years and 317 days. Before that? LaMelo’s brother, Lonzo, at 20 years and 15 days. And even before that? LeBron James at 20 years and 20 days. Woof.

Anyway, back to LaMelo. I mean, look how casually smooth this jumper was!

It should be a matter of time before LaMelo starts with the Hornets. As we all knew, LaMelo has had eyes on him since he was a teen… wait. He’s STILL a teenager. Anyway, he’s been watched by scouts for years now. Some draft experts see him as a franchise point guard, much like his brother was touted before he was drafted.

Lonzo may NOT be a franchise point guard but he’s certainly become a starter in this league. The elder Ball did shoot better from three last year but he’s struggling once again this season. However, he has this calmness about him on the court (very much unlike his dad when he’s in front of the camera) and has been pretty good about letting the game come to him. Lonzo has also become of the better defenders in the league.

LaMelo seems to have the higher ceiling. He’s more apt to score than Lonzo but he very much has the same calmness, rebounding ability, and court vision. Unfortunately, his shooting so far hasn’t been great JUST like Lonzo. But you kind of have hopes for him on being better in that department; LaMelo has been an okay free throw shooter while Lonzo has been atrocious. And while LaMelo hasn’t been exactly known as a great defender, he has the potential to be, especially with his size.

If LaMelo is going to be that franchise player, then Hornets coach James Borrego is going to have to start him very soon. Right now, Devonte’ Graham, who had a breakout 2019-20 season, is starting at point guard and is having an awful start to the campaign. The other guard spot belongs to Terry Rozier, who has been excellent thus far. So while there seems to be an easy move right in front of Borrego, there is, of course, chemistry to think about.

But sometimes, coaches have to do what might be unpopular to some players. Maybe give it a few more games before handing the keys to LaMelo. After all, LaMelo didn’t start out so hot, either (scoreless in his first NBA game). But still, Borrego might have to make this move sooner than later.

Bullet Passes

With health and safety protocols coupled with injuries, the Sixers only used 7 players against the Nuggets. Tyrese Maxey scored 39 points in a valiant effort (he got 33 field goal attempts!). And holy crap, the Sixers look unrecognizable. Dakota Mathias? Isaiah Joe?

The Wizards didn’t have Bradley Beal (contract tracing) and Russell Westbrook (quad injury). They also lost Thomas Bryant early in the game. And they scored 44 points in the first quarter. Which sounds impressive until you see that they let the Heat score 47. The Wizards would also go on to score only 15 points in the third.

The Suns are looking more terrifying by the day.

I love this neat play by Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray:

It is SO good to see Victor Oladipo doing this.

Domantas Sabonis did go for 28 points and 22 boards but as mentioned earlier, the Suns did beat the Pacers. Actually, I didn’t mention that but saying that the Suns are more terrifying should have implied that.

Another 20-20 happened in Saturday as Andre Drummond went for 26 points and 24 rebounds. But the Cavaliers also lost that game. That’s Drummond’s 42nd 20-20 game of his career but unfortunately, it wasn’t the answer to “everything” for Cleveland.

CJ McCollum went for an impressive 37 points. Just as impressive is his teammate Derrick Jones, Jr. going REAL high on this dunk as Portland blazed up Sacramento.

DeMar DeRozan scored 38 points in their OT win against Minnesota. This dunk should be worth all 38.

This is why they call Terry Rozier, Scary Terry:

NBA Scoreboard

Jan. 9, 2021

Watch This Play

There were a lot of highlights on Saturday but Caleb Martin of Charlotte (that team had a lot going on that day!) takes this section because he got the cross and the poster. Look how far he took off!

It was all about the murder hornets. Was that too soon for 2021?

Everyone, please take care of yourselves during this pandemic. And that goes for everyone involved with the NBA as well.

You can find Rey-Rey on Twitter at @TheNoLookPass.

You can also check out Rey-Rey’s podcast, Rey-Rey Is Fundamental, for more basketball content and, really, whatever else.

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