After a slow first half on Sunday afternoon against the Thunder, Lonzo Ball had one of his best halves since returning from injury. Ball hit four of his seven three-pointers and finished with 12 points, two assists and three rebounds over the final two periods.
Ball was big in the fourth quarter, hitting a pair of threes while handing out two assists and snatching a pair of rebounds. His 32:47 played also marks the most he’s played not only since his groin injury but is also the third-most minutes he’s played in a game this season. Interestingly, the last time Ball played at least 32 minutes was also against Oklahoma City.
After going 4-of-7 from beyond the arc in the game, Ball is now shooting 35.7 percent from three-point range this season. That mark would be the best of his career. However, last year through his first 12 games last season, Ball shot 34.5 percent before seeing his percentages drop substantially.
There is reason for optimism this year with Ball having reworked his jumper over the off-season. If his improved percentages are a result of his new jumper, it could mean better season-long averages this season which would be huge in his development and role with the Pelicans moving forward.
