Charlotte Hornets rookie LaMelo Ball had the best game of his young NBA career on Friday, with the 19-year-old coming out with an astounding 34-point career-high performance against the Utah Jazz. This left more than a few folks wide-eyed, which as it turns out, includes Jazz superstar Donovan Mitchell.

After his team's 138-121 victory, Mitchell shared his admiration for Ball, expressing how the young rook left quite an impression on him:

“I'm not going to lie, I'm very impressed,” Mitchell said, via Mike Wells of Bleacher Report. “Not just his playmaking ability and his competitiveness but his joy. I don't think I have ever not seen him smile throughout the game.”

Article Continues Below
Related News
Julius Randle playing for the Timberwolves. T-Wolves logo in background.
Ranking 3 best Julius Randle free-agency destinations if he leaves TimberwolvesBailey Bassett ·
Naz Reid playing for Timberwolves with T-Wolves logo in background.
Ranking 3 best Naz Reid free-agency destinations if he leaves TimberwolvesBailey Bassett ·
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) controls the ball as he is defended by Minnesota Timberwolves guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (00) during the first half at the Spectrum Center.
NBA rumors: Lonzo Ball isn’t only 1 who wants to see LaMelo Ball trade to ClippersScotty White ·
Baylor Bears guard VJ Edgecombe (7) passes the ball away from Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Cameron Matthews (4) during the second half in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Lenovo Center.
Ranking 3 best VJ Edgecombe destinations in 2025 NBA DraftSpencer See ·
Ace Bailey in a 76ers uniform, a Spurs uniform, and a Hornets uniform
Ranking 3 best Ace Bailey destinations in 2025 NBA DraftMatty Breisch ·
Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) drives past Memphis Grizzlies guard forward Vince Williams Jr. (5) during the first half at the Spectrum Center.
Hornets’ Miles Bridges addresses ‘bad guy’ accusations on IGZachary Howell ·

Ball does play with a certain cheerful demeanor which rubs off not only on his teammates but based on Mitchell's statement above, on opposing players as well. Make no mistake about it, though — LaMelo is as ruthless as they come, and his offensive explosion on Friday serves as a testament to this fact.

Ball had a career night against Mitchell and Co., with the third overall pick of the 2020 NBA Draft finishing with 34 points on 14-of-27 shooting, to go along with four triples, four rebounds, eight assists, two steals, a block, and zero turnovers in 39 minutes of action. Devonte' Graham exited the contest after just 11 minutes of action due to an injury, which resulted in a bump in Ball's usage rate the rest of the evening. Clearly, the young stud took advantage of the opportunity.

Unfortunately, Ball's heroics came in a losing effort, as the Hornets were unable to hold off a surging Utah side. Nevertheless, LaMelo came out with a statement with his performance here, as he continues to lead the race for the season's Rookie of the Year award.