Ball Returns from Ankle Injury with 28 Points, 13 Assists

LaMelo Ball (ankle) returned to action Thursday against the Hawks, ending a three-game absence due to a left ankle bone bruise. Despite an expected minute restriction, Ball played 29 minutes, recording an impressive double-double with 28 points (10-16 FG, 8-11 3Pt), 4 rebounds, 13 assists, and 1 steal in the 133-126 win over Atlanta. His strong showing suggests his ankle is feeling good, and he averaged 19.4 points, 8.5 assists, and 6.0 rebounds in 16 games prior to his absence.