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LaMelo Ball · Theoretically speaking, the work appeared to be cut out for LaMelo Ball, as he attempted to compensate for the lost time of his own seven-game absence, and get the Charlotte Hornets’ restless crowd involved. As fate would entertainingly have it, the intoxicating fifth-year floor general needed only a 13-second sequence to turn the teal-and-purple-clad arena up a few decibel levels. Making himself available after the Philadelphia 76ers’ turnover, Ball delivers a much-needed pre-halftime jolt and an alley-oop pass at once, locating a cutting, down-the-floor teammate for a heads-up jam. One blink of the eye later, Ball — already in attack mode following Tyrese Maxey’s failed two-for-one attempt — races the floor for Round Two, finding that same transition partner for an electrifying encore connection. Though short-lived, Ball took full advantage of December 16, 2024’s first-time opportunity to see Charlotte’s projected Day One starters fully healthy. Matching teammates’ cuts and swerves with woah-worthy passes of his own throughout, Ball stuffed the box score, recording 15 points, five rebounds, 11 assists, four steals, and three trifectas. · State of Mint