LaMelo Ball exits press conference when asked about accident; Hornets lose

The game almost felt secondary.

That’s what happens when the face of the franchise gets up and walks out of a postgame press conference.

LaMelo Ball did exactly that Thursday night, exiting the room when asked about the car accident he was involved in earlier in the day. Ball played anyway. He answered questions, just none after that one. 

According to viral social media videos and multiple reports, Ball was involved in a two-car crash in downtown Charlotte on Wednesday. No citations have been determined.

Video circulating online appeared to show Ball’s vehicle crossing left of center before striking an oncoming sedan, and reports indicated Ball exited his vehicle and left the scene in another car. The Hornets have not issued a formal statement beyond acknowledging the incident.

Ball finished with 11 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists as Charlotte fell to the Rockets, 105–101.

Houston was led by Kevin Durant, who scored 35 points and sealed it with two free throws with 3.2 seconds remaining. Jabari Smith Jr. added 15, while Alperen Sengun and Reed Sheppard chipped in 13 apiece as the Rockets erased an 11-point first-half deficit.

Charlotte, which had won 11 of 12 entering the All-Star break, jumped out early and led by double digits in the second quarter. Grant Williams scored 20, and Brandon Miller added 17, though he went just 1-of-12 from three.

The Hornets made it interesting late, but Durant took over in the fourth, scoring 10 points and answering every push.

Still, the night lingered less on the final possession, and more on the one Ball chose not to address at all.