LaMelo Ball put up numbers no other rookie has since Stephen Curry
LaMelo Ball on Monday hit a career-high seven 3-pointers in just his fifth career start to lead the Charlotte Hornets to a 119-94 victory over the Houston Rockets.
Ball finished with 24 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds in 32 minutes of work to become the youngest player in NBA history at 19 years, 170 days to make at least seven 3-pointers in a game. He finished by shooting 7-of-12 from beyond the arc.
The Hornets guard also became the first rookie since Stephen Curry in 2010 to record at least 24 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds with seven made 3-pointers. The only other rookie to reach those numbers was Jason Kidd in 1995.
Despite the hot night, Ball admitted after the game that he wasn’t able to warm up due to issues with his COVID-19 testing. He was finally cleared and stepped onto the court and had himself a night.
“I didn’t get no extra shots (before the game),” Ball said on FOX Sports South. “They said my test was messed up or something, but it was a whole lot. I missed actually a bunch, but then I ended up getting in and stepping onto the court with no warmups, no nothing.”
The performance by Ball helped the Hornets to their second straight win as the team put the clamps on Houston in the fourth quarter. Charlotte opened up the period on a 22-1 run before outscoring the Rockets 29-7 to close out the victory.
Since entering the starting lineup, Ball is averaging 22.6 points, 6.6 assists, six rebounds and one steal in five games on 51.4% shooting from 3-point range. Based on his recent play, Ball may have solidified his place in the starting unit, even when Devonte’ Graham returns.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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