As two of the top three picks in the 2020 NBA Draft, LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards will always be linked, no matter how their careers play out. Friday offered the first on-court meeting between the two players as the Timberwolves traveled to Charlotte.
While both have had up-and-down moments this season, Edwards more than Ball so far, the pair showcased what made them top picks on the court on Friday.
During the second quarter, the pair traded baskets on consecutive possessions, scoring or assisting on 14 consecutive points in a 90-second span. Each had both nifty finishes at the rim and perfect passes in traffic as well.
LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards combine to score or assist a stretch of 14 straight points. A fun back-and-forth during the second quarter tonight pic.twitter.com/FPxT0sqidF
— Jacob Rude (@JacobRude) February 13, 2021
Edwards won the individual battle with 21 points, six rebounds and three steals in 34 minutes. But Ball, who finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and three steals in 37 minutes, won the game on the night, 120-114, though Terry Rozier’s 41 points certainly had a role in that.
It was a particularly big win for the Hornets, who had only nine active players due to Health and Safety Protocols ruling out three Hornets.