LaMelo Ball's Performance in Pelicans-Hornets Goes Viral

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball impressed fans against the New Orleans Pelicans

Jan 25, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) shoots the ball against New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) during the first quarter of at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images | Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

The Charlotte Hornets defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 123-92 on Saturday night. Hornets guard LaMelo Ball had another solid all-around performance with 25 points, seven assists, and five rebounds in the victory. The former all-star returned on Saturday after missing Friday night's loss against the Portland Trail Blazers with a wrist injury.

Performances like Saturday are why many believed Ball would be a lock for an all-star starter selection in the Eastern Conference. Instead, New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson and Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell were chosen ahead of Ball despite the Hornets guard averaging more points, rebounds, and assists than both.

The Hornets are 4-1 in their last 5 games with LaMelo Ball pic.twitter.com/lZd0jBAgXl

— Buzz (@buzz_szn) January 26, 2025

New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green told reporters pregame that he thinks Ball has matured nicely since the Hornets drafted him as a first-round pick. "I like the way he's handled all of the notoriety and the pressure that comes with being a top-level talent like he is," Green said. "We've seen him grow and get better every season."

LaMelo Ball

- 25 PTS
- 7 AST ( 17 PTS Created )
- 6 REB
- 4, 3PM
- 2 STL
- 42 FG% pic.twitter.com/knWBjUdRy9

— MeloHive 🛸💕 (@Meloleague) January 26, 2025

This season is a comeback of sorts for Ball, with injuries shortening his last two years in the NBA. He played a combined 58 games over the previous two seasons, but he's playing with a vengeance this year. After his performance on Saturday night, the only two players with more 25/5/5 games this year are Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo, who both are MVPs and NBA champions.

LaMelo Ball tonight:

The only players this season with more 25/5/5 games are Jokic & Giannis. pic.twitter.com/BmNjEedsMm

— Real Sports (@realapp_) January 26, 2025

Charlotte is not quite there yet with their 12-30 record on the season, which is still second-to-last in the Eastern Conference, but Ball is doing his part as he's maturing his career into an all-around NBA player.

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