Hornets’ LaMelo Ball exits loss after reinjuring left ankle

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — LaMelo Ball’s first dwelling recreation of the season did not go wherever close to in addition to he had hoped.

Not solely did the Charlotte Hornets lose 125-113 to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday evening, however Ball reinjured his left ankle when he stepped on a fan’s foot with 1 minute, 34 seconds left within the recreation.

Ball was making an attempt to save lots of a ball from going out of bounds when he stepped on a seated fan’s foot close to the Hornets bench as he tried to brace himself from going into the group.

It is the identical ankle that brought on Ball to overlook a portion of the preseason and the primary 13 video games of the common season.

Hornets coach Steve Clifford had no quick replace on Ball’s standing, and Ball was not made accessible to speak to reporters after the sport.

The Hornets are at Cleveland on Friday evening.

This was Ball’s third recreation again since his preliminary ankle damage within the preseason, however his first at dwelling. It started with him getting an enormous introduction from the general public handle announcer and an enormous applause throughout pre-game introductions, however exiting with a grimace on his face as he limped to the locker room.

Ball was stellar when he performed, ending with 26 factors on 10-of-17 capturing, together with 5 3-pointers. He additionally had six assists whereas turning the ball over 4 occasions.

“He was nice tonight,” Clifford stated.

The Hornets have been hit exhausting by accidents this season.

Together with Ball lacking 13 video games, Cody Martin has missed all however one recreation with quad and knee points that finally required surgical procedure, Gordon Hayward has missed the final eight video games with a shoulder damage and Dennis Smith the final three a ankle sprain. Earlier within the day, the Hornets additionally introduced first-round draft choose Mark Williams suffered an ankle damage whereas enjoying for the G League’s Greensboro Swarm.

Terry Rozier additionally missed seven video games with an ankle damage.

“It is very powerful however we have now to be professionals about it,” stated Hornets guard Kelly Oubre Jr. “It is the sport of basketball and people issues occur. However people who find themselves suited up and who’re wholesome sufficient to go on the market, we have now to go choose up that slack.”

Nonetheless, ahead P.J. Washington stated he is longing for the day the Hornets (4-12) are at full energy.

“Everyone knows in some unspecified time in the future everyone’s going to get again on the market, and we will not look ahead to it,” Washington stated. “However proper now the issue is we’re shedding video games, so we have to determine it out and begin getting some wins.”

Charlotte (4-12) has misplaced 9 of its final 10 video games after beginning the season 3-3 with a win over the defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors.

The Related Press contributed to this report.