They say you always remember the first one, but LaMelo Ball is likely to try to forget tonight.
Ball, the 19-year-old who was selected with the No. 3 pick in the 2020 draft, ran out of points in his NBA debut Wednesday night. He was 0 for 5 from the field and 0 for 3 on 3-point attempts in 16 minutes from the bench. Ball also had three game losses with three assists, two steals and one rebound as the Cavaliers won, 121-114.
Two of Ball’s bills and one of his robberies came in the same sequence, which aptly summed up the rookie’s night in a single play.
In worse news for Charlotte, center Cody Zeller left the game in the third quarter with a fracture in his left hand. It is unclear how long he will be out.
Hornets goalie Terry Rozier led all scorers with 42 points on the 15-for-23 throw, including a fiery 10-of-16 in 3-point attempts. Cavaliers third-year goalie Collin Sexton led Cleveland with 27 points on 9 vs. 16 from the field.
LaMelo’s long-awaited debut has similarities to that of his older brother. Lonzo Ball, achieved with the Lakers ’No. 2 pick in the 2017 draft, added three points in 29 minutes in his NBA debut, shooting 1-on-6 from the field. He also caught nine rebounds with four assists, one steal and two changes.
Things improved dramatically for Lonzo in his second timeout as he scored 29 points with 11 rebounds and nine assists in a win against the Suns. LaMelo will have another chance when the Hornets face the Thunder at home on Saturday.