This is the LaMelo Ball the Hornets hoped for when they drafted him.
Four games into his NBA career, Ball flashed the upside Wednesday that made him the No. 3 pick in the draft. The rookie point guard had he best game of his young career as the Hornets stunned the Dallas Mavericks, 118-99 in yet another blowout by a road team playing in an empty NBA arena.
Ball found his stroke while leading all scorers in the first half with 15 points. He was less active after halftime, but finished with a strong outing of 22 points, nine rebounds and five assists in 29 minutes.