Charlotte Hornets Stun Lakers: LaMelo Ball Shines in Nail-Biter Finish
LaMelo Ball leads the Charlotte Hornets to a thrilling 100-97 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, overshadowing struggles from LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
In a thrilling post-All-Star break encounter, the Charlotte Hornets pulled off a stunning 100-97 upset against the Los Angeles Lakers, thanks to a clutch performance by LaMelo Ball. The game, rescheduled due to the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, marked the Lakers' third loss in their last five games.
Key Performances
- LaMelo Ball: The young star scored 27 points, including a crucial lay-up and two free throws in the final 15 seconds to seal the victory.
- Miles Bridges: Led the Hornets with a game-high 29 points, showcasing his growing importance to the team.
- LeBron James: Despite a strong fourth quarter with 16 points, James missed two key three-point attempts that could have tied the game.
- Luka Doncic: Struggled to find his rhythm, finishing with 14 points and 11 assists in his third game since joining the Lakers.
Game Analysis
The Hornets, who have been struggling this season with only their second win in 11 games, showed resilience and determination. Their defense held firm in the final minutes, preventing the Lakers from capitalizing on their star power. The Lakers, now on a two-game losing streak, will need to regroup quickly if they hope to maintain their position in the competitive Western Conference.
Stat Lines
| Player | Points | Assists | Rebounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miles Bridges | 29 | 4 | 7 |
| LaMelo Ball | 27 | 6 | 5 |
| LeBron James | 26 | 8 | 9 |
| Luka Doncic | 14 | 11 | 6 |
What's Next?
The Hornets will look to build on this momentum as they face the Miami Heat next, while the Lakers aim to bounce back against the Golden State Warriors. Both teams have critical games ahead as the playoff race heats up.
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