The Charlotte Hornets have been on an impressive winning streak, and LaVar Ball points to one key reason: the coach’s unwavering belief in his son, LaMelo Ball. Following Charlotte’s 131-99 blowout of the Chicago Bulls, which extended their franchise record to eight straight road victories, LaVar emphasized trust in LaMelo as the driving force behind the team’s recent dominance.
Charlotte’s victory was powered by Brandon Miller‘s 23 points and Kon Knueppel’s 21, with the Hornets converting an efficient 51.6 percent from the field and making 25 three-pointers, just one shy of their record. LaMelo contributed 16 points, supported by Miles Bridges‘ 16 points in his first game back after suspension. The Hornets overwhelmed Chicago in the third quarter, delivering a decisive 42-16 run highlighted by a commanding 22-2 stretch, deepening the Bulls’ losing skid to ten games.
LaVar Highlights the Importance of Coaching Trust in LaMelo’s Role
LaVar Ball expressed that the coaching staff’s faith in LaMelo allows him to play confidently and effectively. According to LaVar, success comes from giving LaMelo the freedom to impact the game without excessive caution about his health. He explained that limiting LaMelo’s minutes early in the game disrupts flow and puts the team under pressure to catch up later.
The winning, what’s going on now is, the coach believes in Melo,
LaVar said.
Why you think he’s so successful when I coach him? Cause he’s always been a winning player. I let him go out there and win.
The coach believes in Melo…You got some other players but they don’t go if it ain’t for Melo
– LaVar Ball
LaVar reiterated that the offense revolves around LaMelo, stating that other players rely on him to make plays. Currently, the Hornets sit 10th in the Eastern Conference with a 28-31 record but show momentum with a 7-3 run in their last ten games. If the season ended now, they would qualify for the play-in tournament.
Examining LaMelo Ball’s Durability and Efficiency Through the Numbers
LaMelo Ball has faced ongoing scrutiny over his durability and shooting efficiency since he was drafted. He has participated in just under 60 percent of possible games throughout his career. His overall shooting percentages are 41.8 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from beyond the arc on heavy usage.
This season, his shooting remains slightly below his career averages, with field goal accuracy at 40.1 percent and three-point shooting at 36.7 percent. Though these numbers appear modest, advanced analytics reveal a stronger impact. According to Sports Illustrated, LaMelo holds a 123.1 offensive rating—the highest on the Hornets outside a limited sample from Coby White. Among players logging at least 1,000 minutes, only Nikola Jokic exhibits a superior on-off differential. Charlotte yields 14.5 more points per 100 possessions when LaMelo is on the court.
LaMelo’s style of play forces opposing defenses to extend their coverage well beyond the three-point line due to his tendency to attempt long-range shots exceeding 35 feet. This defensive attention consequently creates more open scoring opportunities for teammates like Miller, Knueppel, and Bridges, effectively spreading the floor.
Building Momentum and Potential Playoff Implications for the Hornets
While traditional statistics might understate LaMelo’s efficiency, his presence clearly translates into tangible success for Charlotte. The Hornets’ offense benefits greatly from the confidence their coach places in him, fostering a dynamic team atmosphere where players thrive. LaVar sees this combination of belief and cohesion as fueling the Hornets’ current streak and their ability to sustain control during games.
If the Hornets maintain this trajectory, they could prove to be a formidable adversary in the postseason, presenting difficult matchups for top-seeded teams. LaMelo Ball’s continued development, backed by his coach and supported by teammates such as Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges, positions Charlotte as an increasingly competitive force in the Eastern Conference.
Lavar Ball’s thoughts on LaMelo & The Hornets recent success:
“The coach believes in Melo…You got some other players but they don’t go if it ain’t for Melo”
(via The Kiya Podcast) pic.twitter.com/TLP05vbm5e
— Kyle Ingram (@SnapshotKyle) February 25, 2026
