mcw casino NBA: LaMelo Ball shines in 1st game for Hornets since January
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball, right, reacts after making a three point basket against the Houston Rockets during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
HOUSTON— LaMelo Ball looked like the superstar that nagging ankle injuries have kept him from being for most of the last two NBA seasons in Charlotte’s opener on Wednesday night.
Playing in a regular-season game for the first time since Jan. 26, Ball had 34 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds to lead the Hornets to a 110-105 win over Houston.
Article continues after this advertisementBall made four 3-pointers and all 10 of his free throws to help Charlotte to the victory.
FEATURED STORIES SPORTS PBA Finals: TNT carries extra weapons into duel vs Ginebra SPORTS NBA to investigate 76ers over Joel Embiid's playing status SPORTS NBA: Buddy Hield helps Warriors blow out Blazers in season openerREAD: NBA: New coach quickly prioritizes defense in Hornets’ new era
The Hornets are counting on Ball to be on the court a lot more than he has been in recent years as they attempt to end an eight-year playoff drought.
Article continues after this advertisementHe was the third overall pick in the 2020 draft and was named Rookie of the Year that season before making the All-Star game in his second year. But soon he began to struggle with ankle injuries and was limited to just 58 games combined in the last two seasons because of them.
Article continues after this advertisementLAMELO BALL DOES IT ALL 🔥
▪️ 34 PTS ▪️ 4 3PM ▪️ 8 REB ▪️ 11 AST@hornets come back from 18 down for the season-opening W! pic.twitter.com/7xmBBQ2GV2
— NBA (@NBA) October 24, 2024
Now that he seems to have put those problems behind him, first-year coach Charles Lee was asked what a healthy Ball does for his team.
Lee exhaled deeply and smiled before answering.
Article continues after this advertisementREAD; NBA: LaMelo Ball again considering braces due to ankle issues
“He’s like the engine for us,” he said. “If we have a healthy LaMelo Ball, we’re going to do a lot of really good things because I know that he’s going to continue to grow and he helps everyone around him continue to be better, too.”
The 23-year-old was all smiles after the game and reflected on being back on the court after his tough stretch.
“It’s blessings, just doing what we love,” he said. “We grew up playing basketball, so to be able to still do it for your living is an amazing feeling.”
Lee said that Ball has been consistent in his commitment to being great since their first phone call after he was hired and raved about his young star.
READ: NBA: Hornets shut down LaMelo Ball for rest of season
“He wants to be someone who earns the trust of his teammates and his coaches, and wants to be a winner and wants to impact winning,” Lee said. “So I told him what I think is going to help us impact winning and I think that you saw tonight him implementing that with some of his defensive efforts, some of the multiple efforts that he made and then offensively playing with the pass and driving. So, I’m all around excited for him.”
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
The Hornets trailed by as many at 18 points Wednesday before surging late to rally for the victory. Ball was encouraged by how the team came together after struggling early in the game.
“First gamemcw casino, you want to just come out and set a tone,” he said. “So we had to get that first win.”
READ NEXT NBA: Brandon Ingram pours in 33 as Pelicans dump Bulls NBA: Buddy Hield helps Warriors blow out Blazers in season opener EDITORS' PICK West PH Sea: Indonesia drives out China coast guard ship from disputed waters Inquirer calls for support for the victims of Tropical Storm Kristine Dominic Roque stranded in Sorsogon for days due to Kristine ‘Bar Boys’ musical is extending its run. Here’s why you *must* see it 2024 Nat’l Arts and Crafts Fair starts: Celebrating Filipino ingenuity Metro Manila, portions of Calabarzon placed back at Signal No. 2 MOST READ LIVE UPDATES: Severe Tropical Storm Kristine West PH Sea: Indonesia drives out China coast guard ship from disputed waters Metro Manila, portions of Calabarzon placed back at Signal No. 2 LPA outside PAR may become tropical depression Friday – Pagasa View comments