LaMelo Ball shines as Hornets stun Hawks in thrilling 133-126 showdown
After a brief hiatus of three days, the Charlotte Hornets were poised to collide with an Atlanta Hawks team struggling to find its footing, having dropped five of their last seven games. This matchup marked the second meeting between the two squads this season, with the Hawks securing a win in their initial encounter just weeks earlier. However, the dynamics shifted significantly as the Hornets welcomed back LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, while the Hawks saw the return of their star, Trae Young.
Hornets ignite early on
Charlotte wasted no time establishing their dominance, bursting out of the gates with a blistering performance in the first quarter. They knocked down nine three-pointers, building a 37-32 lead as they headed into the second period. The real fireworks, however, were just beginning.
LaMelo Ball’s electrifying takeover
The second quarter belonged to LaMelo Ball, who delivered a performance reminiscent of an All-Star. Lighting up the court, Ball scored 15 points and dished out five assists while going a perfect 5-for-5 from beyond the arc. By halftime, he had accrued 21 points and eight assists, thrilling the home crowd and showcasing the talent that many have come to expect from him. Complementing Ball’s brilliance, fellow first-round picks Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel also contributed significantly. Knueppel finished the half with 14 points and six assists, while Miller added 17 of his own.
Hawks rally from behind
Despite facing a daunting 24-point deficit midway through the second quarter, the Hawks showed resilience, orchestrating a 15-4 run to claw back into contention. Although Trae Young’s return was a welcome sight, it was Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker who continued to keep the pace, demonstrating their recent form and contributing to the team’s resurgence.
As the second half unfolded, the Hawks made a concerted effort to reclaim the lead. A crucial three-pointer from Jalen Johnson with just over two and a half minutes remaining cut the Hornets’ lead to a precarious single point, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Ball secures the win
In the face of mounting pressure, LaMelo Ball stepped up once more, scoring seven consecutive points to quell the Hawks’ momentum and secure the Hornets’ second straight victory. The final score read 133-126, a testament to Charlotte’s tenacity and Ball’s pivotal role in the outcome.
A promising trio for the Hornets
The night belonged not only to Ball but also to his fellow rising stars. LaMelo Ball concluded the game with 28 points, four rebounds, and 13 assists, his late-game heroics proving essential. Kon Knueppel matched Ball’s scoring output, finishing with 28 points, five rebounds, seven assists, and three steals—a performance that bolstered his Rookie of the Year candidacy, even amid the buzz surrounding Cooper Flagg out West. Brandon Miller continued to show his worth, contributing an efficient 26 points along with five rebounds, seven assists, and three steals, marking his second consecutive standout game.
As the Hornets look ahead, the chemistry and talent of this burgeoning trio signal a bright future in Charlotte, with their sights set on building momentum as the season progresses.
