CHARLOTTE, NC – LaMelo Ball, debutant Charlotte Hornets, scored 34 career points to go along with eight assists in a 138-121 loss to the Utah Jazz on Friday night.
The ball shot 14-of-27 from the field with four 3-pointers, a block and zero spins. His 34 points are the most from a 1993 Hornets starter from Alonzo Mourning.
Ball remained in the game on Friday, despite the return of Terry Rozier, whom the 19-year-old had replaced in the starting line of the last two games. Ball started the season on the bench, but now he’s started in Charlotte’s last three games.
Jazz star Donovan Mitchell called Ball “the real deal” after the game.
“I’m not going to lie, I’m very impressed,” said Mitchell, who helped Jazz win its 14th game in 15 games. “Not only his ability to play and his competitiveness, but also his joy. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him smile throughout the game.”
Hornets coach James Borrego was most pleased that Ball had no turnover.
“It’s great for us – we need it,” Borrego said. “When I see this report, good things will happen to us most of the time, whether the photos come in or not.”
Hornets keeper Devonte ‘Graham left the game in the second quarter with a tense groin and never returned, while Mike Conley of Utah developed a tightness in the basket and played only 22 minutes. None of the coaches offered an update on the status of their players after the match.
Ball, general election no. 3 in the 2020 NBA draft, has an average of 13.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 6 assists in 26.5 minutes per game this season.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.