The Charlotte Hornets lost to the suddenly red-hot Boston Celtics in Boston on Wednesday night, 113-107. In defeat, rising star LaMelo Ball put forth another unreal effort. He finished with 38 points, five rebounds, nine assists and two steals. The 38 points were a career high. In doing so, he joined some very exclusive company.
LaMelo career high.
38 PTS
5 REB
9 AST
2 STLIt’s his 2nd 35/5/5 game. Only LeBron, Luka, Zion and Durant had more such games before turning 21 in the last 40 seasons. pic.twitter.com/3n5L3PCw62
— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 3, 2022
This was Ball's second career 35 point, five rebound, five assist game. Over the last 40 seasons, only LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Luka Doncic and Zion Williamson posted the same stat line more times before turning 21 years old.
Ball very easily could add to his total. He does not turn 21 until this August.
For the season, the Charlotte guard is posting an impressive 20 points per game, to go along with almost eight assists and eight rebounds per game. Those numbers are up across the board from his rookie season. He has lived up to all the hype and pressure that his father has placed on him.
With Ball's ascension, the Hornets have taken a big step forward this season. They are 28-24 and are seventh in the Eastern Conference.
Alongside Ball, Miles Bridges has also played at an All-Star level this season. He is posting 20 points, seven rebounds, a steal and a block per game.
One of the strengths of this team is its depth and age. They are a pretty young team. The core is made up of Ball, Bridges, Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward, Kelly Oubre Jr. and P.J. Washington. Outside of Hayward, every one of them is in their early to mid 20's. The future appears bright in Charlotte.
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