Hornets' Ball makes season debut in loss to Heat

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball made his season debut in Saturday's 132-115 loss to the Miami Heat.

The former Rookie of the Year reclaimed his spot in the starting lineup, finishing with 15 points, six boards, six assists, and one steal in 28 minutes of action.

Ball missed the team's previous 13 games due to an ankle injury suffered in the preseason. The Hornets went 3-10 in Ball's absence, tied for the worst record in the Eastern Conference.

Backcourt starter Terry Rozier also missed seven contests this campaign, leaving Charlotte to depend on journeyman Dennis Smith Jr. to run the point.

An All-Star last season, Ball has career averages of 18.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 7.6 assists across 126 games since being selected No. 2 in the 2020 draft.