LaMelo Ball goes scoreless off the bench during Hornets' NBA debut vs Cavaliers

LaMelo Ball's highly-anticipated NBA debut for the Charlotte Hornets might have failed to impress fans. The 19-year-old basketball star went scoreless from the bench during the Hornets' 114-121 loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers. NBA Twitter seemed divided over the debut as some defended Ball, while many candidly expressed their dissapointment. 

Also read | Simone Jelks promoted, is 7th woman to be full-time NBA ref

LaMelo Ball scoreless during NBA debut vs Cleveland Cavaliers

LaMelo Ball in his 1st NBA regular season game:

0 PTS - 0 FG% - 0/3 3PM - 3 Turnovers pic.twitter.com/tKmqv3RxXO

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) December 24, 2020

Managing one rebound and 3 assists in 16 mintues of play, Ball's NBA debut ended without any point. He played four minutes during the first period, bagging one rebound in four minutes. By half-time, he was 0-of-2 from the field, adding assists to his one rebound. His second half was eventless as the Hornets failed to make a comeback and secure a lead. 

Fans react to LaMelo Ball points on Twitter

Most fans, excited for his debut, seemed disappointed, expecting more from the 2020 Round 1 No. 3 pick. "LaMelo Ball woke up feeling DANGEROUS tonight," one fan wrote, sarcastically commenting on his stat line. Ball's fans defended him, reminding people that it was only the first game of a 71-game season. "Runs in the family," wrote another user, which had people reminding them that Lonzo Ball opened the season with a 16-point game. 

Also read | LaMelo Ball calls himself "smarter" than spending his $35.1M contract money on grills

Cole Anthony again better

6 points, 2 Rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 1 magical lob, 3/5 from the field, and the W .. solid 1st game

— Isgak 🇿🇦 (@IcemanCT) December 24, 2020

Lonzo's having a great game

— MuffinMan⚜️(10-4) (@MuffinMan726_) December 24, 2020

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR!!!

— buddy bank (@BuddyBxnk) December 24, 2020

He’ll be alright, Trae young was the worst player in the nba his first 20 games and how he’s dropping 27 in a half

— Wes (@Imnotfromthe6) December 24, 2020

i guess he can’t make fun of lonzo anymore for scoring zero

— lourenzoooo (@lourenzooooo) December 24, 2020

Also read | Sexton leads Cavs to opening win, LaMelo Ball scoreless in debut

NBA scores: Hornets vs Cavaliers highlights

While Ball went scorelles, Terry Rozier dropped 42 points, going 15-of-23 from the ground. Gordon Hayward – back after his avulsion fracture – scored 28 points, 4 rebounds and 7 asssits. Though the Hornets kept the first quarter close, the Cavaliers outscored them 41-21 in the second period, extended their one-point lead to 21 points. 

Colin Sexton led the Cavaliers with his 27-point performance, impressing by shooting 56.3% from the field and 75% from the three-point range. Darius Garland followed with 22 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Larry Nance Jr, Andre Drummond, Isaac Okoro, Cedi Osman and JaVale McGee all scored in double digits. 

Also read | LaMelo Ball's ex-girlfriend Ashley Alvano now dating Wizards forward Rui Hachimura?

(Image credits: AP)