LaMelo Ball, the 23-year-old star player of the Charlotte Hornets, will not take the court against the Denver Nuggets due to ongoing left ankle soreness. This marks the third consecutive game he will miss, following his absences in matches against the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic earlier this month. Despite his impressive performance this season, averaging 27.3 points, 7.2 assists, and 5.1 rebounds over 34 games, Ball's persistent ankle issues have raised concerns about his availability.
Ball has been a pivotal figure for the Hornets this season, consistently starting all 34 games he has played. He has maintained a shooting accuracy of 41.8 percent from the floor and 33.9 percent from the three-point range. His contribution was particularly notable in the team's recent victory against the Los Angeles Lakers, where he scored 27 points and made a crucial driving layup with just 14.2 seconds left on the clock, sealing a 100-97 win for the Hornets.
This victory against the Lakers was significant for Charlotte, as it ended a three-game losing streak. Ball's performance was instrumental in achieving this much-needed win, highlighting his importance to the team despite his current sidelining due to injury.
Ball's absence is a setback for the Hornets as they prepare to face the Nuggets. His previous ankle sprain had already caused him to miss five games earlier in the season, and the recurring soreness suggests a need for caution in managing his return to play. The Hornets will need to strategize effectively to fill the void left by Ball's absence and maintain their momentum in upcoming games.
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