The Charlotte Hornets trailed the Indiana Pacers 82-59 in the third quarter of Wednesday’s game, the 2021-22 season opener for each team. And the Hornets won, 123-122.
2020-21 NBA Rookie of the Year LaMelo Ball picked up right where he left off with a tremendous effort to lead the 23-point comeback. Ball had 31 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, and two steals in 29 minutes played. His three-point stroke was particularly terrific (and with crazy range), resulting in 7-of-9 shooting from behind the arc.
LAMELOOOOOOO
31 PTS, 7-9 à 3-PTS
IND@CHA | beIN SPORTS pic.twitter.com/tsFAWNXmUL
— NBA France (@NBAFRANCE) October 21, 2021
LaMelo Ball (20 years, 59 days) is the 3rd-youngest player with 30 points in a season opener in NBA history. Only Lamar Odom (19-361) and John Drew (20-18) were younger. pic.twitter.com/CvYUwUbyQV
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 21, 2021
The 23-point comeback is the second-biggest comeback in Hornets history, topped only by a 24-point comeback in 2014 (which was also a season opener).
The Hornets trailed by as many as 23 points, making this win tied for second-largest comeback in franchise history.
The only larger comeback was 24 points against the Bucks in the 2014,
That was also the season opener and the first game of the return of the Hornets name.
— Bryan Ives (@awaytoworthy) October 21, 2021
So, that’s quite a start to the season for the Hornets and their second-year sensation. Ball may make the jump into full-on superstardom in Year 2.
About Matt Clapp
Matt is an editor/writer at The Comeback and Awful Announcing.
He can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.