LaMelo Ball Flirts with Double-Double in Return, Hornets Guard Averages 22 Points This Season

LaMelo Ball returned to action for the Charlotte Hornets, logging 20 points (6-19 FG, 1-7 3Pt, 7-7 FT), eight assists, five rebounds, and one steal in 28 minutes during a 110-108 loss to the Raptors on Monday. This marked his first 20-point game since October 28, achieved despite efficiency struggles, largely due to his perfect charity stripe work. Ball was given the green light after resting during Saturday's loss to the Thunder. For the season, the 24-year-old guard is averaging 22.0 points, 9.6 assists, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 steals over 31.9 minutes, though he's connecting on just 40.5 percent of his field-goal attempts and 31.5 percent from three-point range. Ball signed a five-year, $205.9 million contract extension with the Hornets in July 2023, following a pre-NBA career that included professional stints in Lithuania and Australia.