For the first time in almost five years, LaMelo Ball came off the bench. It appears the Charlotte Hornets are looking for ways to prepare him for increased minutes in the fourth quarter in back-to-back sets. However, it will only work if they have another true point guard to replace Ball in the starting lineup.
Collin Sexton started the game against the Indiana Pacers on Thursday. Unfortunately, the Hornets' offense looked atrocious during the first five minutes of the opening frame. They fell to a 16-6 hole before Charles Lee decided to put Ball on the court.
After the substitution, Charlotte promptly began its comeback trail.