LaMelo Ball erupted for 7 three-pointers in the first half during his return from injury, leading the Charlotte Hornets to a 133-126 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday, December 18, 2025. Ball’s explosive comeback provided the scoring punch Charlotte desperately needed. The Hornets demonstrated their offensive depth with three players surpassing 25 points.
🔥 Quick Facts
- LaMelo Ball scored 28 points with 8 three-pointers in 29 minutes of play
- Kon Knueppel matched Ball with 28 points on 6 of 12 three-point shooting with 5 rebounds and 7 assists
- Brandon Miller added 26 points on 4 of 7 three-point shooting for Charlotte
- Charlotte had 18 three-pointers in the first half alone, tying the NBA record for most threes in an opening frame
LaMelo’s Dominant First Half Return
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Ball returned after missing three games due to a left ankle bone bruise he suffered on December 5. Despite being on a potential minutes restriction, Ball wasted no time making an impact. He delivered 21 points and 8 assists in the opening half with his explosive three-point barrage.
The 23-year-old guard was not placed on any minutes limitation and played a full 29 minutes without any signs of physical limitations. Ball’s performance demonstrated the Hornets’ improved offensive efficiency with their star player back on the court alongside teammates Knueppel and Miller.
Three-Point Barrage Sets Tone Early
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Charlotte’s first-half offensive display was historic in scope. The Hornets’ 18 three-pointers in 24 minutes matched an NBA record for the most three-pointers made in a single half. Ball leading the charge with his 7 makes set the tone for the entire game.
Knueppel’s performance showcased the Rookie of the Year candidate’s consistency, as he connected on 3 of 5 three-point attempts in the first half. The Hawks could not contain Charlotte’s perimeter assault, with the Hornets’ shooting percentage from beyond the arc proving nearly impossible to defend given the sheer volume and accuracy.
| Player | Points | Three-Pointers | Minutes |
| LaMelo Ball | 28 | 8 | 29 |
| Kon Knueppel | 28 | 6 | TBA |
| Brandon Miller | 26 | 4 | TBA |
Hornets Improve to 9-18 Despite Defensive Struggles
Charlotte’s victory over Atlanta (15-13) marks the Hornets’ second consecutive win this season. However, the game exposed some defensive vulnerabilities as the Hawks kept the contest competitive throughout. Dyson Daniels led Atlanta with a season-high 27 points and 10 rebounds, while Jalen Johnson contributed significantly for the Hawks.
The final score of 133-126 reflected Atlanta’s ability to stay close despite Charlotte’s offensive explosion. The Hawks’ defensive adjustments in the second half limited the Hornets’ three-point output and made the game much tighter than the first half suggested.
“This is why you don’t give up on LaMelo Ball.”
— NBA Community Reaction, Social Media
What This Victory Means for Charlotte’s Playoff Push
Ball’s return signals a major turning point for Charlotte’s season trajectory. The Hornets at 9-18 are fighting to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference. With Ball, Knueppel, Miller, and Brandon Miller all performing at elite levels simultaneously, Charlotte possesses the offensive firepower to threaten teams down the stretch.
The Hawks’ loss drops them to 15-13 in what remains a competitive playoff race. This matchup demonstrated that when Charlotte’s top scorers are healthy and firing, they can match or exceed the offensive output of any team in the league. The question remains whether their defense can remain consistently stout moving forward.
