The Charlotte Hornets couldn’t have hoped for a better outcome in the season opener.
The team went on the road against a dark horse like the Houston Rockets, lost one of their key guys, and still fought back to come back from an 18-point deficit and get a five-point win.
Charles Lee was impressive in his official coaching debut, but he gave LaMelo Ball most of the credit.
The former No. 3 pick was on a roll all night long, and he finished the game with a game-high 34 points to go along with 11 assists — also a game-high –, eight rebounds, one steal, one block, and four three-pointers.
He also did that while shooting 50% from the floor.
When asked about that performance, Coach Lee tipped his hat to his star point guard, calling him the engine of the team (via NBA).
“He’s the engine for us.”
– Coach Charles Lee after LaMelo Ball’s 34-pt, 11-ast night in the @hornets win pic.twitter.com/VwNjfWiOCr
— NBA (@NBA) October 24, 2024
Lee claimed that Ball was going to keep getting better, adding that he expects more nights like that for as long as he’s healthy.
Notably, that might be the key to their success — or lack thereof.
As good as Ball has been — at least offensively — he’s seldom available.
He’s played 51, 75, 36, and 22 games since he entered the season, and that should continue to be a concern going forward.
No one denies his talent, but his availability is a constant question mark.
On a down note, the Hornet lost Brandon Miller early in the game with a hip injury, and while he’s not expected to be sidelined for long, that will also be a story to keep a close eye on.
