Lee accepts responsibility for ‘unwise’ clash with LaMelo Ball.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Following his team’s 102-95 win against the New Orleans Pelicans, Charlotte Hornets coach Charles Lee entered the press room with a sense of humility and quickly took responsibility for his actions.
“Stupid … coach,” remarked a visibly embarrassed Lee, shaking his head before settling in to answer questions from the media.
During the first quarter, Lee and LaMelo Ball collided near the Charlotte bench, which momentarily sent the star point guard to the locker room for evaluation by trainers. Ball returned after having a 1-inch cut above his eye treated and went on to score 26 points and secure eight rebounds, leading Charlotte to its seventh consecutive victory.
The unusual incident occurred as Ball attempted to save a wayward pass from Miles Bridges close to the Hornets bench. At that moment, Lee was pacing along the sideline and did not see Ball approaching, instinctively bending down to retrieve the ball.
As Lee lowered his head, Ball charged into him, causing the second-year coach to collide with the scorer’s table.
Ball remained on the floor for several moments, with both individuals holding their heads. Once Ball stood up, he took a towel and placed it over his right eye while being escorted to the locker room.
He returned to the bench shortly thereafter.
“I took a play off and you’re not supposed to take any plays off,” Lee stated, fully accepting responsibility for the incident. “I thought the ball was going out of bounds and I was going to save it from going into the stands, and he was going to save the ball. We collided. Credit to him for not being too harsh with me.”
Ball dismissed the collision when speaking to The Associated Press in the locker room post-game.
“He went for the ball and I went for the ball, and obviously we bumped heads,” Ball explained. “It was unfortunate, but hey, I’m still alive and breathing, so who cares? We got the win, so that’s what matters most.”
Lee, who remained on the sideline and continued coaching, expressed his appreciation for Ball’s quick return to the game.
“I admire his attitude of, ‘hey let me get to the back, get cleaned up and get back out there,'” Lee noted. “It demonstrates the progress he continues to make in handling a bump or bruise like that and moving on. He truly contributed to our team’s success.”
Ball delivered one of his stronger performances of the season, scoring 18 points in the first half to help keep the game competitive after the Hornets fell behind by 22 points.
In the second half, Ball made several crucial shots, including a rare two-handed dunk after maneuvering past a defender in traffic. He also recorded five assists and finished with only two turnovers.
“It was a great response from him to a foolish coach,” Lee remarked.
