The New King of the Fourth: How LaMelo Ball Is Dominating This Season

The Charlotte Hornets pulled off a thrilling 115-114 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, a game that showcased both LaMelo Ball’s resilience and the controversies that sometimes accompany high-stakes moments. While the Bucks may feel they were on the wrong side of an officiating error, LaMelo’s clutch performance, particularly in the fourth quarter, once again highlighted his rise as one of the NBA’s premier late-game performers.

Controversial Call, Clutch Execution

With 10 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and the Bucks leading 114-113, LaMelo drove hard to the basket against Giannis Antetokounmpo. As he fell to the ground, the whistle blew, awarding him two free throws. However, slow-motion replays revealed that LaMelo had slipped on his own, with minimal contact from Giannis. Unfortunately for the Bucks, they had no remaining challenges to dispute the call.

After the game, the referees admitted their mistake, stating that Giannis did not commit a foul and that the call would have been overturned if challenged. Regardless, LaMelo calmly sank both free throws, sealing the victory for Charlotte.

Despite the controversy, LaMelo’s overall performance was exceptional. He finished the game with 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists in 36 minutes, shooting 7-of-20 from the field, 1-of-7 from beyond the arc, and a perfect 11-of-11 from the free-throw line. While his three-point shooting was subpar, LaMelo’s impact was undeniable, leading the team with a game-high +12 in plus/minus.

Fourth-Quarter Dominance

LaMelo’s heroics were most evident in the final quarter. Entering the fourth with just 11 points on the night, he erupted for 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists in the period. His late-game execution was pivotal, as he set up Miles Bridges for a crucial corner three and followed it with an and-one drive to keep the Hornets within striking distance.

This level of production has become a trend for LaMelo this season. He currently leads the league in fourth-quarter scoring, averaging an astounding 11.8 points in the final frame. His efficiency is equally impressive, with shooting splits of 53.7% from the field, 45.7% from three, and 90.5% from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter.

Zooming in on clutch situations—defined as the last five minutes of a game with a margin of five points or fewer—LaMelo is averaging a league-best 5.8 points per game. His clutch shooting percentages of 52.4%/40.0%/90.0% highlight his ability to perform under pressure.

A Breakout Season

Through the first 12 games of the season, LaMelo has been nothing short of spectacular. He has played in every game, averaging 29.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per contest. His scoring ranks fifth in the league, a career high, as he’s taken on a significantly larger offensive role.

LaMelo’s 23.1 field goal attempts per game represent a jump of nearly four shots from last season, with his usage rate skyrocketing to a league-leading 36.2% (up from 31.5%). Despite the increased workload, he has maintained efficiency, shooting 44.0% from the field, 36.4% from three, and 87.5% from the free-throw line. His true shooting percentage of 58.2% is the highest of his career.

A major part of LaMelo’s offensive arsenal is his three-point shooting. This season, he is attempting a league-high 12.6 three-pointers per game, an increase of 3.6 attempts from last year. While his 36.4% success rate may not be elite, it’s impressive given the difficulty of his attempts, many of which come off the dribble.

Overcoming Preconceptions

LaMelo’s success this season is a testament to his growth as a player and his ability to overcome previous criticisms. Since entering the league, he’s been labeled a flashy "highlight player" with great passing but limited ability to impact games consistently. Injuries also hindered his development, as he played in just 58 games combined over the past two seasons.

This year, LaMelo has flipped the narrative. While his turnovers remain high and his assist numbers have dipped slightly, he has become a more complete player. At 6'7" with excellent ball-handling and speed, LaMelo creates mismatches against almost every defender. In games like the win against the Bucks, he showed his willingness to adjust mid-game, shifting from ineffective three-point shooting to attacking the rim and drawing fouls.

Leading the Hornets

The Hornets have started the season with a 5-7 record, a modest improvement over previous years. For context, Charlotte won just 27 games in 2021-22 and 21 games last season, starting the 2022-23 campaign at a dismal 3-9. This year, injuries to key players like rookie Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges have added to the team’s challenges.

Despite this, LaMelo’s play has given the Hornets a fighting chance in most games. His leadership and ability to close out tight contests suggest he’s becoming the cornerstone Charlotte has long hoped for. At just 23 years old, LaMelo still has room to grow, and if he maintains this level of play, his first All-Star selection seems inevitable.

LaMelo Ball is no longer just a "social media star" or a player known for flashy passes. He’s evolving into a legitimate star capable of dominating games in the fourth quarter and delivering when it matters most. Ten years after bursting onto the basketball scene, LaMelo is finally showing the world just how special he can be.