LaMelo Ball benched in shocking Hornets comeback win, sparking trade rumors frenzy
The Charlotte Hornets pulled off a stunning comeback on Saturday night, erasing a 12-point deficit late in the fourth quarter to secure an overtime victory against the Toronto Raptors, who had been riding a nine-game winning streak. This victory, hailed as the Hornets’ best win of the season and marking their second consecutive win, was overshadowed by a controversial decision: both of the team’s franchise players spent crucial moments on the bench during the comeback.
A Surprising Bench Decision
With 8:31 left in the fourth quarter and the Hornets trailing 96-86, head coach Charles Lee made the unexpected choice to bench LaMelo Ball. Just two minutes later, Brandon Miller also found himself sitting out as the Hornets faced a 98-88 deficit. While Miller returned to the game four minutes later with the team within striking distance, Ball remained on the sidelines for the entirety of the fourth quarter and overtime. This decision ignited intense discussions among fans and analysts alike, raising the provocative question of whether the Hornets might actually perform better with Ball off the floor.
The narrative took a sharper edge when reports surfaced weeks prior, suggesting that LaMelo Ball was “open” to being traded, a claim that originally gained traction through insights shared by Kelly Iko. With the whispers of discontent swirling around the franchise, the decision to bench Ball only intensified speculation about his future with the team.
Coaching Philosophy Amidst Player Health
In the postgame press conference, Coach Lee addressed the reasoning behind his decisions, clarifying that the moves were not driven by talent but rooted in player management. LaMelo Ball has been grappling with persistent ankle injuries that have sidelined him for multiple games this season. Meanwhile, Brandon Miller was still recuperating from a shoulder injury that had kept him out for 13 games.
“Our performance staff and player development group did a good job of developing a plan to maximize him,” Lee explained. He acknowledged the importance of monitoring Ball’s minutes to ensure he remains available for games. Despite the benching, Lee expressed confidence in his players’ understanding of the bigger picture. “We want to win this game; every game we want to win really badly. I think those two guys help you do it, but we do have good depth,” he said, highlighting the importance of relying on the team’s overall strength.
Player Performance and Future Outlook
Despite the limited playing time, LaMelo Ball finished the game with 14 points, 2 rebounds, and 5 assists. Brandon Miller contributed 7 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists, following a stellar 27-point performance against the Chicago Bulls just a night earlier. Lee took a moment to appreciate the maturity displayed by both players, remarking on their engagement during their time on the bench and their impact upon returning to the game.
“I’m glad that they are where they are at, and see how they recover after their first back-to-back in a while. So, really happy with the process and also their approach and maturity to deal with it,” Lee concluded.
As the Hornets look to build on their newfound momentum, the ramifications of Ball’s benching—and the rumblings of a potential trade—cast a long shadow over the team’s future. With their season on the line, the Hornets have shown resilience, but how they navigate these complexities could ultimately define their trajectory moving forward.
