USA Today via Reuters
Jan 14, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) brings the ball up the court during the first quarter of a game against the Toronto Raptors at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mary Holt-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 14, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) brings the ball up the court during the first quarter of a game against the Toronto Raptors at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mary Holt-USA TODAY Sports
The Ball family members clearly waste no time leaving their mark in the league. After Lonzo, LaMelo Ball is ensuring that his critics get silenced with his performances, and that’s exactly what’s happening. The Charlotte Hornets had a great game against the Houston Rockets and Melo joined two of this generation’s biggest superstars in an incredible record.
Melo marks his name alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic
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Nobody expected the Charlotte Hornets to be standing among the top eight teams in the Eastern Conference. With an 11-13 record, we haven’t seen this franchise conjure up such a start to their season in a long time, and this might have a lot to do with their star rookie.
Playing against the Houston Rockets, LaMelo Ball finished with a career-high seven three-pointers in just nine attempts. Not only that, but what he contributed on the scoreboard became the highlight of the matchup.
As per ESPN Stats & Info, “LaMelo Ball is the 3rd player age 19 or younger to record multiple games of 20 points, 10 assists, and 5 rebounds, joining LeBron James and Luka Doncic. He finished with 24 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds tonight in a win vs the Rockets.”
According to @EliasSports, LaMelo Ball is the 3rd player age 19 or younger to record multiple games of 20 points, 10 assist and 5 rebounds, joining LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
He finished with 24 points, 10 assist and 7 rebounds tonight in a win vs the Rockets. pic.twitter.com/K3szb4eMlh
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) February 9, 2021
LaMelo’s rookie season certainly hasn’t disappointed, and matching the standard of LeBron James and Luka Doncic is truly remarkable.
LaMelo Ball: The real deal
Melo had gained a lot of unwanted attention even before he entered the league. His father’s infamous antics, to him not taking the usual route to the NBA had everyone questioning his hype. However, it looks like the explosive guard won’t be slowing down anytime soon.
Just last week, the 19-year-old had his first 30-point performance against the Utah Jazz and became the youngest in Hornets’ franchise history to achieve the feat.
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 5, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) looks to pass during the second half against the Utah Jazz at the Spectrum Center. Jazz win 138-121. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Initially, Ball was playing for the Hornets by coming off the bench. But as the team deals with a pair of lingering injuries, he has made his way to the starting lineup and he looks to have cemented his place now.
It’s not going to be easy for Charlotte this season, considering the competitive levels of the Eastern Conference. However, they would be working hard to get their first playoff appearance since 2016. With the way Melo is playing, the chances of that happening are pretty high.
Read also- Did LaMelo Ball Prove He Deserves To Be A Top-Three Draft Pick In Debut With Charlotte Hornets?
