The Charlotte Hornets had a chance to force an overtime period against the Brooklyn Nets but their fans hated the ending, thinking they had no legit shot from 3 points because they were without LaMelo Ball in the dying seconds.
The one-time All-Star, in fact, did not se playing time in the last four minutes of the game even if it was the win was still for anybody’s taking. Charlotte went on to lose the game by just one point.
Hornets coach Charles Lee was blamed by many for his late-game decisions but explained that the reason why his star was not playing was another player who was in the zone.
Lee said postgame:
Melo has been phenomenal for us and he’s done so many good things. He’s creating offensively and guarding, and I just thought that Tre had a little better of a hand tonight and was helping us a little bit more on both ends of the court.
But, that’s not to say that we weren’t getting anything from Melo early in the game. I thought he did a really good job of setting the table and doing some good things too. I think every night it could be somebody different and they all have to accept the fact that if another guy has it going, we probably need to ride that hand.
It should be noted that Tre Mann and Ball are not playing the same positions.
Fan reactions to LaMelo Ball’s benching
It is really confounding for many that Ball was not there to either take the last shot of set up his teammates for a game-tying shot.
Ball has been recording a career season in points and assists and he could have done something to force the OT.
Fans thought Lee was wrong for making that decision.
Charles Lee hasnt proven anything to bench a superstar. Lamelo went cold for sitting his ass for more than 10 minutes and you expect him to turn it up in 2 mins?
— LAMELOleaveCHARLOTTEnow (@BarracosoKen) November 20, 2024
Anyone who watches #Hornets closely (all 24 of us) knows LaMelo Ball consistently plays at a much higher level than teammates and never complains. Removing him from a close game is inexcusable. They’re not worth watching when he’s not out there.
— Lyle Spencer (@Spe81558890Lyle) November 20, 2024
Even NBA players think Lee was wrong.
Jeff Teague reacts to lamelo being benched in the 4th by Charles Lee #HiveMentality pic.twitter.com/kAyjYfSuX2
— 🦁 🇵🇸🥚 (@LeebanDC) November 20, 2024
Gil’s Arena reacting to Charles Lee benching Lamelo in the 4th qtr 😬 pic.twitter.com/x9s3xMLC1x
— Kyle Ingram (@SnapshotKyle) November 20, 2024
For the latest Basketball Content
Follow us @HardwoodHeroics for the latest and trending news about NBA, college basketball, and more. Stay updated by reading more of our NBA articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!
