Ball's Historic Night: A Three-Point Masterclass
LaMelo Ball's Record-Breaking Performance
In a stunning showcase of skill, LaMelo Ball achieved a personal best by sinking 10 three-pointers, accumulating an impressive 37 points. This stellar effort propelled the visiting Charlotte Hornets to a commanding 129-112 win against the Washington Wizards, effectively ending their recent two-game losing streak.
Hornets' Offensive Explosion and Key Contributors
Ball's shooting was remarkable, converting 12 of 20 field goal attempts and 10 of 15 from long distance. The Hornets collectively had an outstanding night from deep, hitting a season-high 25 three-pointers, just one shy of their franchise record. Complementing Ball's heroics, Kon Knueppel contributed 28 points with five three-pointers, while Brandon Miller added 22 points, hitting 5 of 7 from beyond the arc.
Ball's Legacy and All-Time Rankings
Beyond his career-high, LaMelo Ball equaled the Hornets' single-game franchise record for made three-pointers. This achievement also elevated him to third place on the franchise's all-time list for three-pointers, now with 873. Demonstrating his all-around game, he also dished out seven assists and grabbed eight rebounds.
Dominance Over the Wizards and Team Shooting Efficiency
This victory marked the Hornets' clean sweep of the Wizards in their four-game season series. Charlotte's shooting percentages were highly efficient, with 49.4% from the field and an exceptional 54.3% (25 of 46) from three-point range. Josh Green also made a significant impact off the bench, contributing 12 points.
The Decisive Third Quarter Surge
After holding a narrow five-point lead at halftime, the Hornets unleashed an unstoppable offensive surge in the third quarter. They connected on an astounding 85.7% of their three-point attempts (12 of 14) and outscored Washington 44-28. LaMelo Ball was particularly instrumental during this period, draining six three-pointers and scoring 18 points.
Wizards' Top Performers and Early Game Dynamics
For the Washington Wizards, Bilal Coulibaly led the scoring with 17 points, followed by Jaden Hardy with 16. Kyshawn George and Jamir Watkins each contributed 13 points, while Tre Johnson and Will Riley both tallied 11. Coulibaly initiated the Wizards' scoring, accounting for their first 11 points as they trailed 31-19 in the opening quarter before narrowing the gap to 38-37 by the end of the period.
Halftime Adjustments and Ball's First-Half Brilliance
The pace of the game slowed considerably in the second quarter, with the Wizards managing only six field goals. LaMelo Ball was the leading scorer for Charlotte in the first half, putting up 19 points as the Hornets maintained a 61-56 lead at the intermission.
Ball's Explosive Third Quarter Takeover
Charlotte extended its lead to 81-65 midway through the third quarter, but it was LaMelo Ball who truly took command. The seasoned point guard executed four consecutive three-pointers within a thrilling 99-second span, pushing the Hornets' advantage to 93-72 with just over four minutes remaining in the period.
Hornets' Roster Adjustments and Return of Key Players
The Hornets played this game without forwards Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabate, both of whom were serving the final game of their four-game suspensions. Their absence stemmed from an altercation during a loss to the Detroit Pistons on February 9th, and both players are set to return for future games.