Is This LaMelo Ball’s Season? “Winning Is the Priority”
LaMelo Ball delivers a masterclass performance – 38 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 assists – to snap Charlotte’s losing streak and remind everyone what kind of leader he can be
In Washington, LaMelo Ball turned the night into his personal showcase. The Charlotte Hornets star erupted for 38 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 assists, recording the 11th triple-double of his young career and carrying his team to a 139-113 comeback win over the Wizards.
Trailing by 11 at halftime, Charlotte flipped the script in a dazzling second half led by Ball’s rhythm and creativity. Rookie Kon Knueppel, the fourth overall pick, scored 11 of his 20 points in the third quarter, while Miles Bridges added 22 and Collin Sexton contributed 20 with consistency and poise. The Hornets shot an unreal 67.4% from the field and 12-for-16 from deep after the break – a clinic in efficiency.
I just want to step on the floor every night with the same mindset – do whatever it takes to win, whatever it takes to help this team get there
LaMelo Ball
The Wizards had built a 62-51 halftime lead, capped by a buzzer-beater from Alex Sarr (who finished with 21 points, 17 in the first half), but their momentum evaporated quickly.
Ball buried the go-ahead three-pointer to make it 85-82, and Charlotte never looked back. Rookie Sion James hit back-to-back threes to extend the lead to 93-86, sealing a decisive 19-4 run that silenced the Capital One Arena crowd.
LaMelo’s final assist – a no-look dime to Bridges for a dagger three – put Charlotte up 110-100 as they dominated the fourth quarter 44-25. For Washington, CJ McCollum scored 24, and Tre Johnson, the sixth overall pick, added 18 in his home debut.
The Hornets were without Brandon Miller (shoulder injury), but it didn’t matter. With LaMelo Ball in this kind of form – poised, electric, and laser-focused – everything else just falls into place.