CHARLOTTE, NC – Charlotte Hornets debutant LaMelo Ball hit 34 points in the race to add eight assists in a 138-121 loss to the Utah Jazz on Friday night.
The ball shot 14 of 27 from the field with four triples, one block and zero changes. His 34 points are the most scored by a Hornets rookie since Alonzo Mourning in 1993.
Ball continued to be a starter in Friday’s game despite the return of Terry Rozier, whom the 19-year-old had replaced in the starting lineup the last two games. Ball started the season from the bench, but has now started in Charlotte’s last three games.
Jazz star Donovan Mitchell called Ball “the real deal” 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 just his ability to play and his competitiveness, but his joy. I think I’ve never seen him smile all game.”
Hornets coach James Borrego was delighted that Ball had no turnover.
“That’s great for us, we need it,” Borrego said. “When you see that ratio, good things will often happen to us, regardless of whether the shots come in or not.”
Hornets keeper Devonte Graham left the game in the second quarter with a tense groin and did not return, while Mike Conley of Utah developed hamstring strain and played just 22 minutes. Neither coach reported the status of their players after the match.
Ball, the No. 3 pick in the 2020 NBA draft, 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.