USA Today via Reuters
Jan 14, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) brings the ball up the court during the first quarter of a game against the Toronto Raptors at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mary Holt-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 14, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) brings the ball up the court during the first quarter of a game against the Toronto Raptors at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mary Holt-USA TODAY Sports
The 2020 NBA Draft had a few exciting prospects, and LaMelo Ball was among them. As projected, he was picked using the third overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets. Since entering the league, the 19-year-old took some time to settle in.
But over the last few weeks, Ball has been in sensational form. In fact, if he continues at this pace, he should easily win the 2021 NBA Rookie of the Year. Speaking of his impressive form, he is flaunting his skills against the Golden State Warriors tonight.
Last time when the two teams faced off against each other, the Hornets sealed the victory in a closely fought game. But this time around, the Dubs have turned the tables on Charlotte. The game ended with a score of 130-121 in favor of the Warriors.
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LaMelo Ball celebrates after a three-pointer over Steph Curry
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 16, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) looks on against the Toronto Raptors during the first quarter at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
During the game, LaMelo Ball buried a long-distance shot over Steph Curry. This led to him celebrating the shot with the “Three to the Dome” celebration. Every NBA fan is aware that it’s the signature celebration of NBA veteran Carmelo Anthony.
Warriors announcer, Kelenna Azubuike, was quite vocal about this while calling plays during the game. He said:
“He’s celebrating, he’s doing the three finger to head like Carmelo Anthony. I know they are both Melo, but come up with your own celebration. Be original.”
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"He’s doing three fingers to the head like Carmelo Anthony . . . Come up with your own celebration. Be original."
– Kelenna Azubuik on LaMelo Ball 🤭
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) February 27, 2021
While it is true that Anthony popularized this celebration, there is not a rule that other NBA players cannot use it. Moreover, LaMelo is recently getting too much heat from veteran NBA fans due to people calling Ball “Melo.”
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Once again, Carmelo Anthony has been in the league for 18 years and he has earned a lot of respect during that time. This plays a huge role in fans getting upset with LaMelo doing the same things as Carmelo.
However, at the end of the day, it shouldn’t be a big deal. As it is just a celebration or a nickname, nothing more nothing less. What are your thoughts on this? Do you agree with the Warriors announcer for his comments? Let us know your views in the comments section below.
