Ball has 34 points and 11 assists in return from ankle injury to lead Hornets over Rockets 110-105

LaMelo Ball h 34 points and 11 assists in his return from an ankle injury and Grant Williams me a go-ahe 3-pointer with 40 seconds left to give Charlotte Hornets a 110-105 win over Houston Rockets on Wednesday night.

Jalen Green scored five quick points to tie it before Williams put Hornets on top with his step-back 3 to make it 106-103. Ball, who was playing in his first regular-season game since Jan. 26, ded two free throws after that to secure victory.

Green led Houston with 28 points and Alperen Sengun ded 25 points and 18 rebounds in his return after missing last 19 games of last season with a severely sprained ankle.

Hornets: This team has been plagued by injuries in recent years and problems continued in opener with young star Brandon Miller sitting out second half with soreness in his left hip. y’ll need to keep him, Ball and Miles Bridges healthy if y hope to return to playoffs after an eight-year drought.

Rockets: y need to play more consistently for four quarters after leing by double figures for most of first three quarters before letting Hornets get back into it late.

Hornets used a 10-0 run that spanned from late in third quarter to early in fourth to close gap and put mselves in position for win after trailing for most of game.

Houston shot 36.9% from field while Hornets me 44.7% of ir shots.

Rockets host Grizzlies on Friday night and Hornets visit Atlanta.