The Charlotte Hornets trailed the Indiana Pacers 82-59 in the third quarter of Wednesday’s game, the 2021-22 season opener for each team. And the Hornets won, 123-122.
2020-21 NBA Rookie of the Year LaMelo Ball picked up right where he left off with a tremendous effort to lead the 23-point comeback. Ball had 31 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, and two steals in 29 minutes played. His three-point stroke was particularly terrific (and with crazy range), resulting in 7-of-9 shooting from behind the arc.
The 23-point comeback is the second-biggest comeback in Hornets history, topped only by a 24-point comeback in 2014 (which was also a season opener).
So, that’s quite a start to the season for the Hornets and their second-year sensation. Ball may make the jump into full-on superstardom in Year 2.
About Matt Clapp
Matt is an editor/writer at The Comeback and Awful Announcing.
He can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.