The Charlotte Hornets once again capitalized with a victory the good moment that their rookie point guard LaMelo Ball has been going through. Those led by James Borrego defeated by 119-94 a decimated Houston Rockets, and got their second consecutive victory.
After three fairly even quarters, an overwhelming 22-1 streak left the Hornets up 21 points with four minutes left on the clock. This run wiped out a Rockets who finished the fourth period with just seven points; just one short of tying the fewest in history that a Charlotte opponent scored in a single quarter.
LaMelo Ball was once again the figure of his team. The rookie is far exceeding expectations prior to his arrival in the NBA. Tonight he finished with 24 points, 7 rebounds and 10 assists to record the fourth double-double of his career. The 19-year-old point guard is now the youngest player in League history to score seven triples in a single game. And has become one of the three rookies who have done it while distributing at least 10 assists. The list is complemented by none other than Jason Kidd and Stephen Curry.
But LaMelo was not alone. The Hornets also had the contribution of Gordon Hayward with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists; and Terry Rozier with 15 points and 4 assists. While from the bench Miles Bridges signed a roster of 19 points and 10 rebounds; with Malik Monk registering 14 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists.
On the Rockets’ side, Victor Oladipo led his team with 21 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Ben McLemore also stood out with 15 points (all in the first half); Danuel House Jr. with 13 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists; and Jae’Sean Tate with 13 points and 4 rebounds. But it was not enough for a Rockets who felt the absences of John Wall and Eric Gordon, and that of their leading scorer Christian Wood as a result of his right ankle sprain.
Charlotte excelled and made a difference with shooting from beyond the arc. He hit 19 of 41 three-point attempts (46 percent) and won the rebounding battle with a 51-39 demolodor. The Rockets couldn’t capitalize on the Hornets’ 15 turnovers, and only converted 11 points after those recoveries. Those led by Stephen Silas weren’t particularly accurate on the shot, posting 41 percent from the field and just 28 percent from the triple (13-of-47).
Borrego’s trust
“I think our group is committed to the defensive end,” coach Borrego said after the match. “We are not perfect every night. Houston is a tough opponent and we had a hard time in the first half. Usually in the second half, we take drastic action, learn, and grow as we go. We always say that our last quarter is going to be our best defensive quarter of the game and tonight it was. I am proud of our defense in the fourth quarter ”.
“LaMelo dismisses confidence. He knows his shot is coming in, ”the coach continued, praising the good passing of his rookie point guard. “That is at least half the battle. You will continue with that. He is not afraid, he will continue to pull. It’s a great weapon to have and sets up a lot of your game with how you can get to the rim. “
The Hornets will now travel to Memphis to visit the Grizzlies next Wednesday. While the Rockets will continue their journey down the road, and this Tuesday they will be visitors to the New Orleans Pelicans.
(Cover photo by Jacob Kupferman / Getty Images)