LaMelo Ball Leaves Game in Toronto With Left Ankle Soreness
lamelo-ball-exits-game-toronto-left-ankle-injury
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball was ruled out for the remainder of Friday night’s matchup against the Toronto Raptors after experiencing soreness in his left ankle, the team said.
The 24-year-old exited less than two minutes into the third quarter at Scotiabank Arena. Observer reporter Roderick Boone noted Ball walked to the locker room with a slight limp after slipping while hustling back on defense.
Friday’s setback is the latest in a string of lower-leg issues for the former All-Star. Ball entered the night listed as probable with a sprained left wrist and had already missed five consecutive games earlier this season because of a right ankle impingement.
The timing of the injury coincided with Brandon Miller’s return from a two-game absence caused by caution over the forward’s left shoulder. Head coach Charles Lee said Miller’s presence adds an additional primary defender and offensive weapon when the Hornets push the pace.
Rookie wing Sion James, who started at shooting guard while Miller was sidelined, continued to draw praise from Lee for his on-court communication and disciplined shot selection.
Despite losing their starting point guard, Charlotte secured another win over Toronto. Rookie guard Kon Knueppel delivered 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting along with seven assists, and second-year forward Tidjane Salaun posted a career-high 21 points on 6-of-8 shooting in 22 minutes.
Source: Hoops Rumors
