LaMelo Ball sets career high, ties franchise record for 3-pointers in blowout win over Rockets

The lead up to Monday’s game was not normal for LaMelo Ball. A creature of habit like most professional athletes, Ball was restricted to his house due to issues with his COVID-19 test results. Eventually, Ball was cleared and headed to the arena behind schedule but still with plenty of time to spare before start time.

The end result of his day? Another career-best performance with a franchise record-tying seven 3-pointers and the second 20-point, 10-assist performance of the season as the Hornets cruised to a second win in as many days, downing the Rockets 119-94.

Ball, who entered the league with plenty of concerns about his shot, tied his season-high for 3-pointers at four with 7:07 left in the second quarter. He flew past that mark in the third quarter, then tied the franchise’s record for 3-pointers in a game by a rookie with his seventh midway through the final frame.

By that point, the Hornets were in the midst of a 22-1 that turned a tie game late in the third period into a nearly 20-point lead.

“This is a fun group,” head coach James Borrego said. “I love coaching them. I love being their head coach. They inspire me. I love the joy they play with. The unselfishness, the spirit that they have. Even when things aren’t going well, they have a calm spirit about themselves. A positive spirit. Just proud of them, just proud of them.

“I think they’ve done a heck of a job to this point and they’re not satisfied. They want to do more, they want to be more. I’m really proud of their growth, but they’re a joy to be around.”

It was the second day running that the Hornets’ bench was emptied by the end of the fourth quarter. On Monday, Charlotte had to work a little harder for the win that Sunday’s near wire-to-wire win over Washington.

Ball had more than a fair say in the game as he continues to excel as a starter for the Hornets. The rookie finished with 24 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds, the second time this season he’s had at least 20 points and 10 assists, becoming the youngest in franchise history with multiple 20/10 games and joining Raymond Felton as the only rookie with multiple such games.

It was the way that Ball scored his points against the Rockets, though, that was the main focus. Ball finished 7-of-12 from behind the arc, continuing his strong stretch from 3-point territory as well. As a starter, Ball is shooting 19-of-37 (51.4%) from range. Over his last six games, he’s shooting 52.5% on over six attempts per game.

“I’ve always had confidence in my shot and always believed that I could shoot,” Ball said following another standout game.

Of all the surprises in Ball’s rookie season so far, his shooting has perhaps been the most noteworthy. On the year as a whole, he’s shooting 36.3% from three, still a league-average mark. Considering there were concerns about his shot, including from his own head coach, Ball’s success is a testament to his mentality and work ethic.

“There was concern on my part,” Borrego said of Ball’s shot in the pre-draft process. “But when we went to LA to interview him and watch him, there was just a confidence about him and his shot. And I think as I sat there with Mitch, I looked over him and said, ‘He’s going to be fine.’ The kid oozes confidence. He believes it’s going in. That’s at least half the battle in this thing. And he’s going to continue that. He’s fearless. He believes it’s going in.

“He’s going to continue to shoot it,” he continued. “I think I said that after we drafted him, that was one of my questions, everybody was concerned about his shot and, in the end, he has great confidence in that and he’s going to keep getting reps and better shots as he goes. It’s a great weapon to have though, and it sets up a lot of his game. He can get to the rim – I know he missed a lot of bunnies tonight – but I’m really proud of his effort tonight.”

To Ball’s credit, many have tried to change his jumper in the past but he’s maintained confidence, even a little stubborn, about his jumper and is now reaping the rewards.

“Definitely, it’s a ton of stories for real,” Ball said. “Everywhere I’ve went, they usually try to change my shot. But I always stick with it myself. I say ‘This is how I shoot.’ I’m confident in it. I feel good letting it go. I mean, I came here and they low key tried to adjust it a little, but I was like ‘Nah, this is how I shoot.’ My whole life I’ve just stuck with it.”

Ball alone wasn’t responsible for Monday’s win, but he was on the court for the run in the fourth which proved to be the final blow. Alongside Miles Bridges and Malik Monk, the trio took over in the fourth as the Hornets moved to within one game of .500 with a second-straight win.

The 22-1 run set the tone in the fourth as the Hornets allowed just seven points from the Rockets in the final frame with even three of those coming after the benches emptied. From the 22-second mark of the third quarter until the 3:52 mark of the fourth, Charlotte outscored the Rockets 24-4.

“We’re just all locking in, bringing a lot of energy,” Ball said of the defense, which held back-to-back opponents over 100 points between Sunday and Monday. “The first three quarters, we didn’t really get how we wanted to be. The coaches wanted some more stops but then the fourth quarter we all locked in.”

The Hornets could welcome back Devonte’ Graham, who was spotted on the court pre-game going through drills, back ahead of Wednesday’s game. His return would likely lead to some serious questions about the starting lineup moving forward.

But with Ball ticking off career milestones like a daily to-do list, it’s hard to imagine the rookie anywhere but the starting lineup moving forward this season and for years to come in Charlotte.