LaMelo Ball Leads Hornets Rally From 22 Down to Beat Pelicans 102 to 95

CHARLOTTE, N.C. LaMelo Ball scored 24 points and delivered a defining late performance as the Charlotte Hornets erased a 22 point deficit to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans 102 to 95 on Monday night, extending Charlotte’s winning streak to seven games in the latest Eastern Conference playoff race update.

Ball briefly exited in the first quarter after a head to head collision with assistant coach Charles Lee while attempting to save a loose ball, suffering a minor eye laceration. He returned moments later and immediately stabilized the offense, scoring 18 first half points while knocking down three three point shots. Despite his production, Charlotte entered halftime trailing 64 to 49 after shooting 7 of 30 from beyond the arc and committing 10 turnovers.

Kon Knueppel added 17 points and hit four three pointers, while Brandon Miller and Grant Williams each scored 16 as the Hornets continued their surge up the standings. Charlotte now sits within a half game of the Atlanta Hawks for the 10th spot in the Eastern Conference, strengthening its outlook in the play in race. The seven game winning streak matches the franchise’s longest stretch since March 2016.

New Orleans was led by Trey Murphy III, who finished with a game high 27 points. Zion Williamson recorded a double double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Derik Queen contributed 16 points off the bench. The Pelicans have now lost six of their last nine games, reflecting recent defensive inconsistency and uneven offensive execution.

Charlotte’s comeback was driven by improved defensive pressure and more decisive ball movement in the second half. The Hornets cut into the deficit with aggressive downhill attacks and timely perimeter shooting before seizing control in the fourth quarter. Ball gave Charlotte its first lead of the night with a blow by drive and two handed dunk, a pivotal sequence that shifted momentum. Miller later extended the advantage to nine after stripping Herbert Jones at mid court and finishing with a one handed dunk in transition.

The impact of the result continues to reshape both teams’ trajectories. For Charlotte, the win reinforces late game growth and resilience under pressure, particularly after overcoming 17 turnovers. The Hornets have shown improved composure and defensive engagement during this stretch, signaling progress as the season enters a critical phase. For New Orleans, the loss highlights ongoing challenges in closing games and sustaining offensive rhythm against increased defensive intensity.

What this means moving forward is clear. Charlotte is emerging as a legitimate play in threat with confidence and momentum, while the Pelicans face increasing urgency to correct execution issues before the standings tighten further.

Next steps arrive quickly. New Orleans travels to Milwaukee on Wednesday night in search of a reset against a top Eastern Conference opponent.

Charlotte heads to Houston on Thursday night aiming to extend its winning streak to eight and continue climbing the playoff picture.