CHARLOTTE, NC – Charlotte Hornets rookie LaMelo Ball set his career record with 34 points and eight assists in the 138-121 loss to Utah Jazz on Friday night.
Ball thrown in 14 of 27 from the field with four points of 3, a block and zero turns. His 34 points are the maximum score for a Hornets rookie since Alonzo Mourning in 1993.
Ball continued as a starter in Friday’s game despite the return of Terry Rozier, who the 19-year-old had replaced in the starting lineup in the last two games. Ball started the season off the bench, but has already 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 Jazz to its 14th win in 15 games. “Not only because of his playing ability and competitiveness, but also because of his joy. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him smile during the game.”
Hornets coach James Borrego was delighted that Ball had not suffered any upset.
“This is big for us – we need it,” said Borrego. “When I see that proportion, good things are going to happen to us most of the time, no matter whether the shots go or not.”
Hornets guard Devonte ‘Graham left the game in the second quarter with a groin sprain and did not return, while Utah’s Mike Conley developed stiff tendon and played just 22 minutes. None of the coaches gave an update on the situation of their players after the game.
Ball, the third overall choice 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.