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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

The Charlotte Hornets’ losing streak continued after the recent 124-118 loss against the Dallas Mavericks. Despite getting exposed too often since the start of the regular season, their star, LaMelo Ball, had a tremendous game today. The point guard set a franchise record against the Mavs after a cold streak in the initial games of the NBA season.

It put the spotlight on the youngster yet again for great reasons as he made a mark of his own. With the team still struggling to find their form, the numbers became a key highlight for the organization.

What did LaMelo Ball do?

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The 22-year-old All-Star had a tough start to the campaign as he averaged 14.6-4.2-8.6 in his first five matches. As soon as his misfiring became a source of concern, LaMelo silenced the doubters in the recent away clash. He became the second Hornets player ever to register a 30-point triple-double, dropping 30-10-13 against the Mavs in Texas. The 6’7 star scored 24 of his team’s 34 points in the fourth quarter to achieve this feat in the defeat.

Anthony Mason was the only other player from the Charlotte side to ever record a 30-point triple-double, following his displays in Toronto. In March 2000, he scored 31 points and made 14 rebounds and 11 assists by the end of overtime. LaMelo is still the only player to make it happen in the regular time of gameplay in an NBA match for the Hornets.

It was the tenth triple-double of his NBA career, since coming into the league through the 2020 NBA draft. Ball thus also became the only player in the franchise’s history with that many triple-doubles in an NBA career. Despite the heroics, the organization’s talisman failed to change their fortune on the away court. With time running out, this put them in an uncomfortable situation despite the major changes in the hierarchy.

What does the future hold?

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Since LaMelo’s inclusion into the team, the franchise’s best finish in the regular season has been 10th. In two of his three full seasons at Charlotte, they finished tenth on the table to earn a play-in spot. Coincidentally, right now, they are also lingering at the exact same spot, proving their lack of improvement over the years.

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The roster has certain players who could make a difference on their own on their day. Still, they have failed to achieve a goal as a team over and over again. Their start to this campaign has revealed a similar story till now as they are 2-4 after opening six matches.

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The chances of them turning things around look bleak. Can they still defy the odds? Let us know in the comments below.

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