CHARLOTTE, NC – Charlotte Hornets rookie LaMelo Ball scored a career-high 34 points and went with eight assists in a 138-121 loss to the Utah Jazz on Friday night.
Ball shot 14-of-27 from the field with four 3-pointers, one block and zero turnover. His 34 points are the most of a Hornets rookie since Alonzo Mourning in 1993.
Ball remained a starter in Friday’s game despite the return of Terry Rozier, who had replaced the 19-year old in the starting line-up for the past two games. Ball started the season off the bench, but has now started in Charlotte’s past 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 to their 14th win in 15 games. “Not only his playing skills and his competitiveness, but also his joy. I don’t think I’ve never seen him smile during the game.”
Hornets coach James Borrego was delighted that Ball had no sales.
“That’s big for us – we need it,” said Borrego. “When I see that ratio, usually good things will happen to us regardless of whether the pictures go in or not.”
Hornets guard Devonte ‘Graham left the game in the second quarter with a tense groin and didn’t come back, while Mike Conley from Utah got a tight feeling in his hamstring and played for only 22 minutes. Neither coach provided an update on the status of their players after the game.
Ball, the # 3 overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft, averaged 13.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 6 assists in 26.5 minutes per game this season.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.