Hornets Bench Loses It After LaMelo Ball Brings the House Down With One Dunk

However, the play was symbolic of a night that belonged to Charlotte from the opening minutes. Apart from Ball’s heroics, Brandon Miller led the way with 23 points and continued his recent scoring surge, while rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner added 17 points and six rebounds. 

Additionally, Tidjane Salaun chipped in a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double, and Ball finished with 10 points, six assists, and three steals, controlling the game without forcing it.

Charlotte raced out to an early double-digit lead and never looked back, holding Denver to season lows in points and three-point efficiency. 

Hornets Are Still In A Mix With LaMelo Ball Trade Situation

Despite the momentum, Ball’s long-term future in Charlotte is still far from settled as the league conversations continue to grow. 

In five seasons, he has yet to experience a true playoff series, something peers like Cade Cunningham and Tyrese Haliburton have already leveraged into narrative-shifting growth.

However, the on-court results hint patience may be the smarter play. Since Ball returned from his ankle injury in mid-December, the Hornets have posted a top-tier net rating, and over the past two weeks, they’ve quietly been among the league’s most efficient teams. 

Wins in tough situations have backed the idea that this roster, when healthy, is closer to playoff caliber than rebuild mode.

With the trade deadline approaching, moving key depth pieces for future assets could stall that progress. For Ball and Charlotte’s young core, the clearest way to quiet speculation is winning now and finally stepping onto a playoff stage together.