Sometimes in basketball, you witness pure magic. Last night against the Washington Wizards, LaMelo Ball gave us one of those moments that reminds you why we love this game.
Four consecutive three-pointers. Ninety-nine seconds.
I've seen players get hot before. I've called games where guys couldn't miss. But there was something special about watching LaMelo catch fire with Eric Collins, the Hornets' electric play-by-play announcer, losing his mind on the call.
"LAMELO-LOCO!" Collins screamed as Ball splashed his third straight triple. And by the fourth? Collins was practically begging him to pull up for another one. That's the beauty of having one of the most passionate announcers in sports calling your games - every hot streak becomes an event.
Ball didn't oblige with a fifth straight three, but honestly? He didn't need to. He'd already done enough damage, and the Charlotte crowd was on its feet. He finished the night with 37 points, leading the Hornets to victory.
What makes this even more impressive is the efficiency. Four threes in 99 seconds means Ball wasn't forcing it - he was feeling it. There's a difference, folks. Great shooters know the difference between confidence and recklessness, and LaMelo walked that line perfectly.
The kid from Chino Hills has always had flair. That's part of his DNA, part of what makes him must-watch television. But this season, he's combining that flash with substance. He's become one of the league's most impactful offensive players, and nights like last night show why.
Eric Collins on the call just made it better. If you haven't heard Collins call a Hornets game, you're missing out. The man brings energy that's infectious, that makes even routine plays feel special. When LaMelo gets going and Collins is on the mic? That's basketball theater.
After that 99-second barrage, Ball didn't score another basket the rest of the game. Didn't matter. He'd already given the fans what they came for - a moment they'll be replaying for years.
