LaMelo Ball’s FRUSTRATION BOILS OVER in Heat L | Kon Knueppel LEADS | Brandon Miller Injury Update
The Charlotte Hornets got routed by the Miami Heat, as “old habits” returned for LaMelo Ball, who struggled with foul calls and frustration. Despite the big loss, rookie Kon Knueppel continued his impressive start with 19 points and five threes.
The Hornets’ hot start came to a screeching halt in Miami. Doug Branson opens up the autopsy report after a 144-117 blowout loss to the Heat. This was the Hornets’ first real defensive test of the season, and they failed it. The defense gave up 20 threes and couldn’t get back in transition, often due to frustration on the other end.
That frustration was epitomized by LaMelo Ball. After showing increased maturity in the first few games , this performance felt like a step back. LaMelo’s frustration with not getting foul calls bubbled over , leading to a technical foul , poor transition defense , and ill-advised shots. Doug discusses how this one game impacts the narrative around LaMelo’s growth.
It wasn’t all bad, however. Rookie Kon Knueppel was a major bright light , scoring 19 points, hitting five triples, and dishing a career-high four assists. His off-ball movement and high-level processing continue to impress.
Finally, the show covers a worrying update on Brandon Miller, who is reportedly seeking a second opinion for a shoulder subluxation. The episode also touches on the continued struggles of Tre Mann and the bad habits returning for Miles Bridges.
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21 Comments
And I guarantee that tomorrow the Magic will sit a star or two, and we will win. On paper but not in reality. If i was a betting man I'd put money on that. Paolo will be mocking us tomorrow as we barely sqeak one by.
Charles Lee needs to utilize the “pick and roll” with Lamelo and Kalkbrenner ; “💛”.
Yeah I am a full believer in LaMelo always, but even I can acknowledge that he went from arguably his most complete game on Sunday to a terrible one last night. It was almost comical how he met basically every criticism he gets. Not getting back on D, throwing up some ill-advised threes, kicking the ball into Davion Mitchell’s face, and flipping off a ref. He is clearly capable of much better, and it’s not an insult to LaMelo to expect that of him. In fact, it should be taken as a compliment.
Great podcast Doug 🙌🏻. We are much improved this season especially with our better depth in the backcourt. We’ve got better shooters all over the floor and after 4 games we’ve shown some positive signs 🏀. I’m just taking it game by game and hopefully improve against a good Magic team on Thursday 🙌🏻let’s go Hornets 🙌🏻
Why don’t the Hornets use zone defense? Miami was better coached and had more discipline than the hornets.
No one talking about lamelos dunk after the whistle the other night 🥶
If you watched the game like I did, and the hornets didn’t get a lot of calls. Hornets should send the tape to the NBA head office. Also, why didn’t Charles Lee challenge any calls.
Charlotte got out coached like crazy. Lord have mercy
ESPN has us in the play in at #9 in the East as of now
Sexton and Lamelo are the only proven scorer . Anyone else as to proves something ! Yes even Brandon Miller ! And Brigdes should stop shooting 15 shots a game .
We can harp on Melo all day, yes he was bad! however first half when Melo hot and sexton helping… WHERE IS MILES? On the year Miles is 39% FG and 30% from 3 and nobody cares !!!!! MILES HAS TO HELP…. Majority of Miles shots have been open! And as AMAZING as Kon has been majority of his help has come second his …. First half he isn’t doing much scoring wise (not that he playing bad) Kon need more opportunities first half since Miles is a no show
There will be nights when Miles is off ? MILES HAS NOT BEEN ON ALL YEAR! When will miles be on? Doug you OVERLY critical of Melo but the guy shooting 39% and 30% from 3 “will have off nights”
They don’t let LaMelo play defense like that either.
My take for the non calls is that melo is just playing on the charlotte hornets the nba's most hated team. Refs will see a 2 and 1 start and be like oh no u dont! They know giving 3 to 5 non calls on the hornets star player will disrupt thier game enough to create a 117 144 score. Destroy the engine and the car won't run anymore. Melo-(engine) car-(rest of team) idk anymore that's all I got. Lol.
Tre looks like he’s still finding his legs, as his shot is so flat. He looks timid, like he’s playing not to get hurt, because he keeps getting hurt. He’s had no rhythm so far, and looks like he just needs to trust himself.
Sad for yall
Tired legs, beginning of the year and third game in four days.
I've said this before, the comp on Kon is Doncic as I see it. Similar body and handle. Maybe Kon's a better shooter. Luka ain't the quickest athlete on the court either, but obviously he makes it work.
this team would take it to the next level if the PG starts aiming for 20 assists and 12 pts instead of 20 pts.
The Hornets whine.. The officials don't care.. Yet the do it every game.. Nobody takes them seriously in the league and its a long road to respectibility.. He has to earn those calls, its been that way and a few highlights a game does not make you a star player to the refs..
Now that I think about it, the fact that melo got on bridges the other game just shows proof even on a bad night they expect him to stay aggressive and not give up because they know how good he is. One good quarter can turn the whole game around.