Two Games, 94 Points: Is LaMelo Ball Just Empty Stats or the Real Deal?

The Charlotte Hornets fell short again, losing 84-95 at home to the Orlando Magic, but LaMelo Ball delivered another incredible performance. Playing 40 minutes, Ball shot 17-of-30 from the field, including 4-of-11 from three, and hit 6-of-8 free throws, tallying an impressive 44 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists. Remarkably, his scoring accounted for more than the rest of the Hornets' roster combined.

This came just one game after Ball exploded for a career-high 50 points, along with 5 rebounds and 10 assists, in a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. That marked the first 50-point game of his career, making back-to-back stellar performances all the more frustrating as they resulted in consecutive losses.

High Scoring but No Wins: Is LaMelo Ball a Stat Padder?

When a player puts up huge numbers but the team continues to lose, it's easy to label them as a stat padder. However, the narrative surrounding LaMelo Ball is more complex. Against the Magic, Ball seemed destined for a triple-double after posting 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists by halftime. Yet in the second half, his teammates repeatedly missed open looks off his passes, forcing Ball to carry the scoring load.

In the third quarter, Ball added 10 points, and in the fourth quarter, he poured in 15 points, playing nearly the entire second half. He sat out only a three-minute stretch late in the third quarter, during which the Hornets' four-point lead (60-56) turned into a two-point deficit (64-66). While the Hornets ultimately lost by 11, Ball finished with a plus/minus of -2, underscoring his critical role.

The game against the Bucks was an even starker example. Ball scored just 10 points in the first half before erupting for 40 points in the second, including a 22-point third quarter where he played all 12 minutes. Despite his heroics, the Hornets lost by six, but Ball's +7 plus/minus was the best on the team.

Even opposing stars have taken notice. After Ball’s 50-point performance, Damian Lillard remarked, "LaMelo was unstoppable today. Every shot he took seemed to go in. He’s a tough player to deal with."

As for Ball’s reaction to his career-high game? "Honestly, I didn’t even realize I scored 50. The only thing I can think about is that we lost," he said postgame.

A Career Year in the Making

LaMelo Ball’s numbers this season are nothing short of phenomenal. Before his back-to-back 94-point outburst, Ball was already averaging 28.9 points per game, but after these two games, his averages have jumped to 31.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game, ranking second in the NBA in scoring behind only Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 32.4 points per game.

Ball has also shown improved efficiency this season. Over 17 games, his shooting splits stand at 44.0% from the field, 35.6% from three, and 86.0% from the free-throw line, with a career-best 57.5% true shooting percentage. By comparison, last season, Ball averaged 23.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 8.0 assists in 22 games on 43.3%/35.5%/86.5% shooting and a 56.1% true shooting percentage.

Increased Usage and Clutch Dominance

One of the most significant changes in Ball’s game has been his increased offensive responsibility. His usage rate has jumped from 31.5% last season to an NBA-leading 37.8% this season, surpassing stars like Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

His dominance becomes even more pronounced in the second half of games. Ball’s second-half usage rate climbs to 39.5%, where he averages 17.2 points per game—both league highs—with an improved 62.1% true shooting percentage.

In the fourth quarter, Ball takes over entirely, with a 41.3% usage rate and averaging 10.7 points per quarter, again leading the league. His fourth-quarter shooting splits are 52.1% from the field, 41.1% from three, and 86.7% from the line, resulting in a staggering 65.7% true shooting percentage.

While the Hornets as a team have been outscored by 14 points in the fourth quarter this season, Ball’s +24 cumulative fourth-quarter plus/minus highlights his immense value in clutch situations.

The Numbers Prove LaMelo’s Value

Statistically, the Hornets are a different team with LaMelo Ball on the court. When Ball plays, Charlotte averages 112.4 points per 100 possessions and has a net rating of -1.2. When he’s off the court, those numbers plummet to 98.8 points per 100 possessions with a net rating of -10.2.

Ball’s ability to create offense—both for himself and his teammates—has made him one of the league’s most dangerous offensive players. His three-point shooting is particularly impressive, featuring a mix of step-backs, off-balance attempts, and deep-range shots. However, to reach the next level, Ball will need to reduce turnovers and continue improving his efficiency.

Lack of Support and Injury Woes

The Hornets’ struggles are not entirely LaMelo Ball’s fault. Injuries have ravaged the team, with key contributors missing significant time. The Hornets have six players averaging double-digit points this season, but four of them have been sidelined in recent games.

• Nick Richards suffered an early-season injury.
• Miles Bridges has been in and out of the lineup with a knee issue.
• Tre Mann missed both recent games.
• Grant Williams tore his ACL against the Bucks, ending his season.

This leaves Ball and rookie Brandon Miller as the Hornets’ only reliable offensive options. Miller, the No. 2 overall pick, has been a bright spot, scoring 29, 38, 32, and 20 points in his last four games. Together, Ball and Miller have formed one of the league’s most promising backcourt duos.

The Future of the Hornets

Despite the current struggles, there’s reason for optimism in Charlotte. LaMelo Ball has proven that he can lead an offense, and his performances this season suggest that he’s evolving into one of the NBA’s premier playmakers.

The Hornets, however, remain a team in transition. With the second-lowest payroll in the league and an injury-plagued roster, Charlotte is far from being a playoff contender. Yet, all young teams experience growing pains, and the Hornets are no exception.

For Ball, the priorities are clear: stay healthy, continue to grow alongside teammates like Miller and Bridges, and build toward sustained success. If the Hornets can surround Ball with better talent and maintain roster stability, they could become a team to watch in the next few years.

Until then, LaMelo Ball’s incredible performances will continue to make him one of the most exciting players in the league, even if the wins remain elusive for now.