CHARLOTTE, NC – LaMelo Ball, the rookie of the Charlotte Hornets, scored a career-high 34 points to beat the Utah Jazz 138-121 along with eight assistants on Friday night.
Ball shot 14-of-27 from the field with four three-pointers, one block and no turnover. His 34 points are the most by a Hornets rookie since Alonzo Mourning in 1993.
Ball still remained an appetizer in the game, despite the return of Terry Rozier, who replaced the 19-year-old in the starting lineup 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 right thing” after the game.
“I’m not going to lie, I’m very impressed,” said Mitchell, who helped lead the Jazz to their 14th win in 15 games. Not only his playing ability and his competitiveness, but also his joy. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him smile throughout the game. ‘
Hornets coach James Borrego was very happy that Ball had no turnover.
“It’s big for us – we need it,” Borrego said. “When I see the relationship, good things are going to happen to us, no matter if the shots go in or not.”
Hornets keeper Devonte ‘Graham left the game with a strained groin in the second quarter and did not return, while Utah’s Mike Conley was tight in his hamstring and played only 22 minutes. No coach gave an update on the status of their players after the game.
Ball, the overall No. 3 in the NBA draft in 2020, averages 13.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 6 assists in 26.5 minutes per game this season.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.