The Charlotte Hornets faced a challenging start to the Emirates NBA Cup against the Miami Heat. The game, held at Kaseya Center, signaled the Hornets’ second encounter with the Heat in just over a week. LaMelo Ball’s absence loomed large, as he missed his third consecutive game due to a right ankle impingement.
LaMelo Ball’s Ongoing Injury Concerns
LaMelo Ball, the Hornets’ star guard, underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right ankle and a separate wrist procedure back in April. Though he has made some progress, he remained sidelined during the recent game. Coach Charles Lee noted that Ball has been participating in team activities and appears to be improving daily. However, his previous struggles with injuries are concerning for the team.
Since joining the NBA in 2020, Ball has played only 57.9% of possible games, missing one-third of the current season’s matchups already. His recent history includes an early exit from the previous season after just 47 games.
Impact of Collin Sexton’s Absence
Joining Ball on the bench was Collin Sexton, who was ruled out due to a neck strain. Sexton suffered the injury during a game against New Orleans, where he also chipped a tooth. His absence significantly affected the Hornets’ backcourt, as both players have made a combined 12 starts this season.
Game Performance and Future Outlook
The game against Miami concluded with a disappointing 126-108 loss for Charlotte. The Hornets struggled defensively, allowing Miami to score 52 points in the first quarter alone. Despite a better second half, Charlotte could not close the gap.
- Miami’s first-quarter scoring: 52 points
- Charlotte’s combined record in the tournament: 3-6
- LaMelo Ball’s game appearances: 237 of 409
- Sexton’s combined starts with Ball: 12
With this loss, the Hornets need to string together victories in their remaining group games to keep their tournament hopes alive. The group play concludes with six teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage. The single-elimination quarterfinals are set for December 9-10, with the semifinals on December 13.
Despite the current setbacks, coach Lee sees potential for the team to improve. The focus remains on a day-by-day approach to recovery for both Ball and Sexton. The hope is that their returns will energize the squad as the tournament progresses.
