USA Today via Reuters
Jan 8, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Lonzo Ball (2) brings the ball up court against Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) during the third quarter at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 8, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Lonzo Ball (2) brings the ball up court against Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) during the third quarter at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
LaMelo Ball and Lonzo Ball’s battle was one of the hottest topics in the league tonight. The two brothers faced off for the first time against each other in the NBA, and LaMelo’s side registered a victory in their clash against the Pelicans.
Both the Pelicans and the Hornets locked horns in a closely fought contest. But at the end of the day, the Pelicans fell short against a determined Hornets side. Along with the bitter taste of defeat, Lonzo also lost the matchup with his younger brother.
LaMelo Ball finished the game with a double-double, scoring 12 points and pulling down 11 boards. On the other hand, Lonzo had just 5 points in the matchup. Tonight, it was all LaMelo as he drained a phenomenal step-back 3 on Lonzo.
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LaMelo step-back on Zo 💰
(via @NBA)pic.twitter.com/rfRUJ5Of38
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 9, 2021
With this victory in the books, the Hornets have now improved their record to 4-5. As the season progresses, the Hornets are looking fabulous and building chemistry at an alarming rate. The centerpiece of their development is none other than LaMelo who added another feather to his cap.
LaMelo now has 5+ points in 7 consecutive games coming off the bench. The only rookie who stands on top of him in this amazing stat is Muggsy Bogues who had 14 straight games.
LaMelo Ball now has 5+ assists in 7 straight games, the longest streak by a rookie off the bench since Muggsy Bogues in 1987-88 (14 straight games). pic.twitter.com/xhhb2NlaqB
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 9, 2021
LaMelo Ball vs Lonzo Ball – Which brother will become a better player?
When LaMelo was selected by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2020 NBA draft, the Ball brothers made history. The two became the first and only pair of brothers being drafted in the top 5 of the NBA. But the question remains, who will become a better player out of the two?
Tonight is the 1st game between LaMelo and Lonzo Ball. According to @EliasSports they are the only brothers drafted in the top 5 in NBA history.
LaMelo and Lonzo played 1 year together at Chino Hills High School. That team went 35-0 and won a state title. pic.twitter.com/v2ObEtzSe2
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 8, 2021
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Although Lonzo Ball has been in the league for a few seasons now, he has become quite stagnant. When he entered the league, he was touted as an electrifying player, but he hasn’t lived up to those expectations.
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 14, 2020; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) shoots during the first half against the Toronto Raptors at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
On the other end of the spectrum, LaMelo has lived up to his hype up till this point. He will only improve his game from here on and once he reaches his full potential, LaMelo Ball could become a better player than Lonzo.
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What is your take on the expectations from the Ball brothers? Let us know your views in the comments section below.
