The Charlotte Hornets found their way back in the win column Friday night versus the New Orleans Pelicans, 142-120. After dropping their last two, this was a must win game for them as they look to claw for a playoff or Play-In tournament spot. In the win, LaMelo Ball had a bounce-back game after struggling to take care of the ball the last two games.

Ball finished with 17 points, six rebounds, nine assists, three steals and only one turnover. Even if this wasn't the biggest game for him stat wise, he looked poised out on the floor.

His newly found veteran mentor, Isaiah Thomas, had some lofty praises for the face of the franchise after sharing the floor with him for the first time.

“It shows the defense something different,” Thomas said. “Getting him off the ball and attack off the catch. He made great plays. That was the most complete game I've seen him play. He had control of the offense each and every possession. He's the head of the snake and when he plays like that, we're going to be tough to beat.”

That should mean a lot coming from a former All-Star point guard himself. Isaiah Thomas has played with several talented players, so he probably has an eye for talent, right? From LeBron James, to Jaylen Brown, LaMelo should feel honored to receive a compliment form a player that has pretty much seen the highs and lows in the league over the past six years or so.

Everything that Thomas said is spot on though. Ball's game did seem to get sharper having Thomas out on the floor. There seemed to be more of an emphasis of patience on the floor. It seemed like he was reading and reacting a lot better then usual.

Now, it is just one game and they still have a little over 15 to go, but it's a step in the right direction. Maybe Hornets coach James Borrego will use more sets that feature those two together more in the future. The two seem to have had some instant chemistry together. Thomas had even more positive things to say about Ball and his performance versus the Pelicans.

“He's gonna be the face of this league. He's already an All-Star, give him 2-3 years, he'll be a top-10 player easily. He has the full package. My job while I'm here is making sure he takes every possession seriously and he leads this team. He has to take that responsibility with his play, even if he's not vocal,” the new Hornets guard added.

That sounds like straight facts from the veteran. The whole world seems to be confident that LaMelo Ball will continue to elevate his game and everyone around him for years to come. After getting to examine his game in person, Thomas has became a loyal friend, mentor and teammate that believes in him, and rightfully so.

If this team wants to find a way to get into the postseason, they are going to need Ball and everyone else to keep playing at this high level. The Hornets generated 41 assists and had seven guys in double figures.

It was a great team win for sure and they have some time to rest until Monday, when they take on the Oklahoma City Thunder. They might be an afterthought for any postseason play, but they have a talented group of young guys out there. The Hornets will need to replicate a performance similar to Friday night's to pull out a much needed win.