In a scintillating display of young talent, LaMelo Ball etched his name into the NBA record books Saturday night, becoming the third-youngest player ever to notch 50 points and 10 assists in a single game. The electrifying performance, however, wasn’t enough to propel the Charlotte Hornets past the surging Milwaukee Bucks, who rode strong outings from Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard to a hard-fought 125-119 victory.
Ball’s Breakout Night
Ball, just 23 years old, showcased the full array of his offensive arsenal en route to a career-high 50 points. After a relatively quiet 10-point first half, the dynamic guard caught fire over the final two quarters, pouring in an astonishing 40 points to keep the Hornets within striking distance.
The All-Star’s final stat line was a marvel of efficiency and productivity:
- 50 points (career high)
- 17-of-38 from the field
- 6-of-17 from three-point range
- 10-of-13 from the free throw line
- 10 assists
Ball’s 50-point eruption made him the first player in Hornets franchise history to reach that milestone. He also became just the third player aged 23 or younger to post a 50-point, 10-assist game, joining hallowed company in Damian Lillard and LeBron James.
Miller Time in Charlotte
Not to be overshadowed, Hornets rookie sensation Brandon Miller continued his stellar play, pouring in 32 points to complement Ball’s heroics. The duo’s back-to-back 30-point outbursts marked a rare feat:
Ball and Miller are just the fourth pair of teammates aged 23 or younger to each score 30-plus points in consecutive games in NBA history, and the first since Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant accomplished the feat for the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2012.
Bucks Stars Shine
Unfortunately for Charlotte, Milwaukee’s star tandem of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard refused to cede the spotlight. Antetokounmpo, the two-time MVP, powered his way to 32 points and 11 rebounds, while Lillard, a summer acquisition, added 31 points of his own.
The Bucks took control with a decisive 14-5 run to open the fourth quarter, building a seemingly insurmountable 110-90 lead. To their credit, the young Hornets clawed back, cutting the deficit to just two on a Miller triple with 15 seconds remaining. But clutch free throws by Taurean Prince and Antetokounmpo ultimately sealed the win for Milwaukee.
Streak Extended, Optimism Abounds
With the victory, the Bucks extended their win streak to six games and completed a perfect 4-0 homestand. Meanwhile, despite the bitter defeat, the Hornets’ faithful had to come away encouraged by the dazzling performance of their precocious core.
As Ball and Miller continue to blossom, the future appears undeniably bright in Charlotte. The loss, while disappointing, may ultimately serve as a valuable learning experience for a team on the rise. If Saturday night was any indication, the LaMelo Ball era promises no shortage of thrills, even if wins prove elusive in the short term.
