In a scintillating return to action, LaMelo Ball showed that he’s ready to put his injury-plagued seasons behind him and reclaim his spot among the NBA’s brightest young stars. The 23-year-old guard erupted for 34 points, 11 assists, and 8 rebounds to lead the Charlotte Hornets to a thrilling 110-105 victory over the Houston Rockets in their 2024-25 season opener on Wednesday night.
Ball, the third overall pick in the 2020 draft and 2021 Rookie of the Year, had been limited to just 58 games combined over the past two seasons due to persistent ankle injuries. But he looked better than ever in Houston, hitting four 3-pointers and all 10 of his free throws to pace the Hornets’ attack.
A Healthy LaMelo Changes Everything
For a Charlotte team that has been mired in an eight-year playoff drought, a healthy and productive LaMelo Ball could be the key to finally turning things around. First-year head coach Charles Lee couldn’t contain his excitement when discussing what Ball’s presence means for the Hornets.
“He’s like the engine for us,” Lee said with a smile. “If we have a healthy LaMelo Ball, we’re going to do a lot of really good things because I know that he’s going to continue to grow and he helps everyone around him continue to be better, too.”
– Charles Lee, Charlotte Hornets Head Coach
Ball’s commitment to improving and leading the Hornets has impressed his new coach from day one. Lee raved about the young guard’s desire to earn the trust of his teammates and coaches while doing whatever it takes to help the team win.
A Resilient Comeback
Despite trailing by as many as 18 points on Wednesday, the Hornets rallied late to secure the victory, with Ball leading the charge. The young star was all smiles after the game, reflecting on the journey back to the court after his injury struggles.
“It’s blessings, just doing what we love,” Ball said. “We grew up playing basketball, so to be able to still do it for your living is an amazing feeling.”
– LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets Guard
Ball’s infectious enthusiasm and dynamic play seemed to lift the entire Hornets squad, and he was quick to praise his team’s resilience in the face of an early deficit.
“First game, you want to just come out and set a tone,” he said. “So we had to get that first win.”
– LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets Guard
A Promising Future in Charlotte
With a healthy and motivated LaMelo Ball leading the charge, the Charlotte Hornets have reason to be optimistic about their future. If the talented guard can stay on the court and continue to develop his game, he has the potential to be one of the NBA’s most exciting and impactful players for years to come.
For a franchise that has been starved for success, Ball’s return to form could be the spark that finally ignites a resurgence in Charlotte. If Wednesday’s performance is any indication, the Hornets’ future is looking brighter than it has in a long time, and LaMelo Ball is ready to lead the way.
