RADIO
We all know one thing: a healthy LaMelo Ball is an entertaining LaMelo Ball.
This is a player who has only played 58 games during the past two seasons due to a variety of injuries.
On Thursday's season opener, LaMelo Ball returned to action and did LaMelo Ball things.
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LaMelo Ball is Back!
Despite trailing as much as 18 points, the Charlotte Hornets won their season-opener against the Houston Rockets, 110-105.
All because of LaMelo Ball.
In his first game off an ankle injury, the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft led the way with 34 points, 11 assists, eight rebounds, a steal, and a block in 38 minutes. He shot 50% from the field and made all of his ten attempts from the free-throw line.
LaMelo Ball tonight in 37 minutes:
34 Points
8 Rebounds
11 Assists
1 Steal
1 Block
10/20 FGM
50% FGAll-Star ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/5gnOV6UAKX
— Lonzo Bull (@skinnysn1per) October 24, 2024
Ball Needs More Support
The road win against the Rockets saw the Hornets' glaring problem: while LaMelo has returned to action, the rest of the team struggled offensively.
The starter who scored in double figures next to Ball was Miles Bridges with ten points. Tre Mann exploded for 24 points off the bench but that was it. And Charlotte can't continue with this trend if they want to end an eight-year playoff drought.
The good news is that it's a brand-new season which means the Hornets have ample to get back into their rhythm with a healthy LaMelo Ball leading the charge. But, they can't continue leaning towards Ball to carry them out of trouble as Ball has been known to be prone to injuries.
Hornets Head Coach Charles Lee has to figure out how to manage the minutes of LaMelo Ball to avoid overworking the young superstar, while also making sure the rest of the team performs accordingly. It's a difficult job but if Ball is healthy and the rest of the pack is performing, Charlotte could be a dark horse in the Eastern Conference.
First game as a head coach ✔️
First win as a head coach ✔️#HiveMentality pic.twitter.com/jFgLHZgR8s— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) October 24, 2024
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