LaMelo Ball played a great game on Friday, doing everything for the Charlotte Hornets in all three phases of the game. The win, beating the Orlando Magic 122-112, gets them one step closer to securing a spot in the play-in tournament.
The game was neck and neck through the first two quarters. Cole Anthony and Dwayne Bacon did their best to keep the contest close, not letting the Hornets get or extend the lead. P.J. Washington, Terry Rozier and Ball were the catalyst for the Hornets inside game. They still struggled on the defensive end of the court and trailed going into the half 62-60.
Charlotte got in the paint for several easy baskets to start the second half of play. The Magic kept fighting back with their outside shooting. Ball was responsible for the Hornets offense during this stretch. He was able to get into the paint whenever he wanted to score or give his teammates easy looks. Ball finished the third quarter with 9 points and 5 assists. At the end of three, the Hornets led by five.
After having a clean third quarter, the Hornets had three big turnovers to start the final stanza. Great defense by the Hornets in combination with lack-luster offense by the Magic, and help from Ball, put the Hornets in control of the game. They were able to take a substantial lead. Bacon, once again, tried to bring the Magic back, but his efforts were not enough. The Hornets were able to coast through the final few minutes of the game on their way to a ten point victory.
The Hornets had a three-headed monster, Terry Rozier with 28 points, Ball with 27 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals and Washington contributed 23 points. Bismarck Biyombo had a double-double off the bench with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Bacon tied his career high with the Magic, scoring 26 points, Anthony had 22 points and Mo Bamba had a career high with 18 boards.
The Hornets’ next game is Sunday night vs. the New Orleans Pelicans minus Zion Williamson. It will be a match-up between the two Ball boys. Let’s see who comes out victorious.
