The Hornets clawed their way back from a 19u2011point hole to steal a 103–101 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, and they did it largely without LaMelo Ball on the floor. Ball fouled out late in the fourth quarter, reprising a role that has increasingly limited his impact during close games.
Before exiting, Ball posted 14 points, four rebounds, and four assists in just 22 minutes. However, his efficiency remains an issue. He shot 6u2011ofu201116 from the field (37.5 percent) and 2-of-7 from beyond the arc (28.6 percent), extending a stretch of subpar shooting performances.
Charlotte is undeniably more dynamic with Ball orchestrating the offense, but it’s fair to wonder whether his recent habits of foul trouble & efficiency woes are capping the team’s ceiling.