Scotty Pippen Jr. joins father, Scottie Pippen, as NBA's first father-son triple-double duo

Scotty Pippen Jr. joins father, Scottie Pippen, as NBA’s first father-son triple-double duo

Posted by Admin November 9, 2024 NBA

Ja Morant did not play on Friday night, but he provided one of the key Memphis Grizzlies assists against the Washington Wizards. A historical one, if you will.

Morant notified his Grizzlies teammates that Scotty Pippen Jr. was two assists away from a triple-double. Santi Aldama heard Morant, but all Pippen knew was two away. He didn’t know if that meant rebounds or assists.

The game was getting out of hand. Memphis led by as many as 29 points in a 128-104 win against the Washington Wizards. Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins wasn’t going to keep Pippen in the game for much longer.

Pippen whipped a pass to Jaren Jackson Jr., leading to his ninth assist. Later, Aldama took off streaking down the floor when a pass from Pippen split the Wizards defense and ended up in a reverse Aldama dunk.

“We were just trying to get him the two assists, obviously,” Aldama said. “At the end, I was just looking at him because I was the only man down there. So I’m like, how the (expletive) can I get you an assist? So, I just ran.”

History was made.

Scottie Pippen and Scotty Pippen Jr. became the first father-son duo in NBA history to record triple-doubles.

Scottie Pippen, a six-time NBA champion and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer, finished his career with 17 triple-doubles. Now, his son is officially on the board after compiling 11 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds.

“Crazy,” Scotty Pippen said, reacting to the historic moment that he was unaware of. “I don’t know if I have any words to describe how that feels. Just making history is always a great thing. Definitely being the first father-son duo to do it is a crazy feeling.”

Jaren Jackson Jr. knows a thing or two about following a father’s footsteps to the NBA. His dad, Jaren Jackson Sr., also played in the league.

“It’s beautiful for the game,” Jackson said. “I bet the league loves that. … I got a jersey swap with my dad. Stuff like that is huge for the family.”

Pippen’s performance was timely. Jenkins had revealed 90 minutes before the game that star point guard Ja Morant would get “further consultation” to determine the full extent of his hip injury. During the game, Morant was seen gradually getting around with crutches.

“I just wanted to go out there and run the team,” Pippen said. “Didn’t want there to be any drop-off with Ja not out there.”

The game ball sat in Pippen’s locker after the game. He’s hoping to have his teammates sign the ball before he stores it.

Considering that the ball is now NBA history, the league could come calling for it, but don’t expect Pippen to give it up.

“They not getting this one,” Pippen said. “They might get a replica.”

No black markers had touched the ball yet before Pippen was getting ready to leave. Those signings will happen later.

He couldn’t hang around and wait on his teammates to sign it because the person who shares his historical NBA moment had yet to embrace him.

“He (is) outside waiting on me, so I got to get out there,” Pippen said.

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.