Playing the 4-23 Washington Wizards, LaMelo Ball's mix-tape-quality moves were almost unfair.
But even with his highlight-reel plays, Washington got its fifth win of the season — and second against the Charlotte Hornets — with a 113-110 victory.
Round and round LaMelo goes ️#HornetsHighlight pic.twitter.com/7OkuLQE8qu
— Hornets On FanDuel Sports Network (@FDSN_Hornets) December 27, 2024
Ball made a series of plays that looked like he was a Harlem Globetrotter facing the Washington Generals rather than a man playing a legitimate NBA team. First, he dribbled in circles around multiple Washington defenders to get an early layup.
Then, he left Justin Champagnie in the dust with a crossover move.
This LaMelo cross and change of direction is tough
— NBA (@NBA) December 27, 2024
CHA/WAS | NBA League Pass
https://t.co/FmhqYrYUEh pic.twitter.com/i6WF2e0h5P
Then, Ball faked out Kyshawn George so badly on a shot fake that the rookie is guaranteed a spot on "Shaqtin' A Fool" this week.
Then Ball uses the ball fake and calmly knocks down the triple... up to 31 points https://t.co/lvywjtm4f4 pic.twitter.com/krktFNWrt3
— NBA (@NBA) December 27, 2024
But Ball's biggest fancy play came in the final seconds when he found Mark Williams for a go-ahead alley-oop with 12 seconds left.
LaMelo to Mark Williams puts the Hornets back up 1!
— NBA (@NBA) December 27, 2024
12.3 seconds to play on NBA League Pass: https://t.co/FmhqYrYUEh https://t.co/Vsk3OjhCET pic.twitter.com/ZwrO7bXHMs
After all that, Ball ended up on the wrong side of a spectacular game-winner, as Jordan Poole got Ball moving in the wrong direction as he sank a deep three-pointer that redeemed the Wizards and gave them win No. 5.
JORDAN POOLE STEP-BACK 3
— NBA (@NBA) December 27, 2024
Wizards back up 2... 8.1 seconds to play on NBA League Pass! https://t.co/qC4b41aMwo pic.twitter.com/Nge9wtXtDL
Ball won the mix-tape battle. The Wizards won the game.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!