LaMelo Ball leaves the game with a right ankle injury
Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball was ruled out Sunday after suffering a right ankle strain against the Orlando Magic.
Ball went down awkwardly in the second quarter after going for a layup against Magic forward Paolo Banchero and had to be carried to the locker room.
LaMelo Ball went to the locker room after an apparent injury pic.twitter.com/8wRXewACHZ
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 27, 2023
The Hornets later announced Ball had a strained right ankle and would not return. The ankle Ball injured vs. Orlando is the same one he had surgery on in March.
Despite the absence of Ball, Orlando led by only 95-92 when Anthony drove for a 3-point play with 10:12 remaining. He stole a pass and got it to Wagner for two free throws, then assisted Banchero’s 7-foot bank shot. Charlotte never again got the lead under five and ultimately lost, 130-117.
Ball is having one of the best seasons of his career, averaging career highs in scoring (25.9 ppg) and assists (8.6), while shooting 44.2% from the field and 38.9% on 3s (also career bests). He has not appeared in a full season in his career and was limited to 36 games in 2022-23 because of ankle injuries.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
