Ayo Dosunmu led the Chicago Bulls to a 99-74 win over the Charlotte Hornets in the MGM Resorts Summer League Consolation game on Monday at Thomas and Mack Center. LiAngelo Ball had a good summer league overall, but Monday, he had his struggles.
After both teams came out ready to go at the start of the game, the Bulls went on a 16-4 run at the end of the second quarter, to take a 17-point lead going into recess.
The Bulls kept the momentum going and out-scored the Hornets 31-22 in the third quarter. They built a 26 point advantage over the Hornets going into the fourth quarter.
Chicago did not take their foot off the gas. They increased their lead to a game-high 32 points late in the final period, which propelled them to the victory.
Dosunmu scored a game-high 19 points for the Bulls. The team had four other players in double figures. Tyler Bey had a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds and added two steals. Jerome Robinson and Jaylen Adams contributed 13 points apiece, while Marko Simonovic chipped in 10 points.
Once again, fan favorite LiAngelo Ball, had an off night from the field. He shot 3-of-13 including 0-of-5 from the 3-point line. Ball only had one rebound, however, he came up with two steals.
Kai Jones was co-leading scorer for the Hornets with 16 points and he grabbed nine rebounds. Scottie Lewis also had 16. JT Thor had a solid game with 15 points, nine rebounds and two blocked shots.
Shooters are a valuable asset in the NBA, but you also need other things that you can do on the court. Monday night left a big question mark about Ball: If his shot is not falling, what else can he bring to the team?
Ball struggles with his passing ability and making his teammates better. He is not in the same league as his brother Lonzo defensively and he does not make spectacular highlight film type of plays like LeMelo. He will most likely be inconsistent when it comes to creating his own shot opportunities against elite perimeter defenders.
Ball will probably end up in the G League until he develops an all-around game.
