Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) dribbles past Washington Wizards forward Corey Kispert (24) during the third quarter at Capital One Arena. Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images

LaMelo Ball shows he can lead Hornets to success when healthy

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Oct 26, 2025 10:56 PM ET

For the first time since November of 2023, the Charlotte Hornets have knocked off the Washington Wizards . The Hornets used an 88-point second half to come away with a 139-113 win, and the star of the night was LaMelo Ball.

LaMelo Ball's stellar performance

Ball poured in the 11th triple-double of his career, posting 38 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists. According to Hornets PR, Ball's 38 points were the most of his career in a triple-double effort.

The triple-double for Ball was his first in nearly two seasons, and it came on a night where Charlotte desperately needed a win against a below-average Wizards team that it had lost to in each of the five previous meetings.

LaMelo Ball was a STANDOUT in Charlotte's win tonight:

38 PTS
13 AST
13 REB

He becomes the 1st player in @hornets franchise history to record a 35-point triple-double! pic.twitter.com/LoblZmIMzW
— NBA (@NBA) October 27, 2025

After Sunday, Ball is now averaging 28.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 9.6 assists per game. While it is early in the season, those numbers would easily be the overall best of his six-year career.

LaMelo Ball has battled injuries throughout his career

Most are aware of the injury history Ball has in the NBA, as he's appeared in 50-plus games just twice in his career, both of which came in his first two seasons in the league.

For Ball, Year 6 feels like a make-or-break season because of his injury history.

If Ball and the rest of Charlotte's core can stay healthy this season, it has to chance to be a frisky playoff team in a year where the Eastern Conference is a bit weak and has question marks throughout.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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