Mar 12, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) reacts after making a three point basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mady Mertens-Imagn Images Mady Mertens-Imagn Images

NBA Fans React to LaMelo Ball's Performance in Spurs-Hornets

Originally posted on San Antonio Spurs on SI
By Matt Guzman | Last updated Mar 14, 2025 11:23 PM ET

Without their two biggest stars, the San Antonio Spurs fell short once again to the Charlotte Hornets.

Stephon Castle had another productive night during his first outing back in the starting lineup; the rookie filled the spot after De'Aaron Fox was announced to be out for the remainder of the season following surgery to repair ligament damage in his left fifth finger.

As Spurs acting coach Mitch Johnson explained, the larger role was no different for Castle.

"We've thrown a lot of things at him," Johnson said. "He had to start early on because of health issues and availability and then we brought him off the bench. Then he started again. Then we brought him off the bench."

Castle logged 26 points Friday, but his efforts were in vain as the Hornets, led by LaMelo Ball's 27 points, logged four 20-point scorers of their own. Ball also became the first player in Charlotte history to log 15 assists and seven three-pointers in a game.

LaMelo Ball vs Spurs:

27 PTS (29 MIN)
15 AST
9-13 FG
7-11 3P
+27

The first player in franchise history with 15+ assists and 7+ threes in a game. pic.twitter.com/ZYBdcibwIB
— StatMuse (@statmuse) March 15, 2025

"The best out of the Ball brothers!" one fan wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

"Future MVP," another wrote.

LaMelo Ball tonight:

27 Points
14 Assists
9/13 FGM
7/11 3PM
+27 +/-

Only 29 Minutes pic.twitter.com/WTvmKQRQAD
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 15, 2025

"He proving he can win," one more chimed in.

With the win, the Hornets moved one game closer to the No. 13 seed in the Eastern Conference, but will likely find themselves back in lottery contention when the regular season wraps up.

As for the Spurs, Friday's loss proved that their chase of the postseason is likely over.

This article first appeared on San Antonio Spurs on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: