The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Detroit Pistons on Monday night, but they suffered a major loss on the court with star guard LaMelo Ball injured during the game.
Ball left with a right ankle injury and was unable to return before the Hornets announced after the game that the 21-year-old suffered a fracture in his ankle. Ball got off to a hot start with four straight threes in the first quarter, but in the opponent minutes of the third quarter, Ball fell awkwardly without contacting anyone and immediately reached for his lower leg.
Ball will be sidelined indefinitely with the injury.
LaMelo Ball had to leave the game after this play pic.twitter.com/mlxbWUCqUN
— Bally Sports: Hornets (@HornetsOnBally) February 28, 2023
“Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball suffered a fracture in his right ankle in tonight’s home game vs. Detroit. Ball left the game in the third quarter and an x-ray taken at the arena revealed the fracture,” the team said in a statement. “Ball will be listed as out for the Hornets’ next game vs. Phoenix on March 1 and updates regarding his status will be provided as appropriate.”
Ball finished the game with 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, going 6-of-7 from behind the three-point arc.
This season, the former No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft is averaging an impressive 23.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 8.5 assists. Throughout his career, Ball is averaging 19.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 7.3 assists. He was named the 2021 NBA Rookie of the Year and to the 2022 NBA All-Star team.
