ATLANTA (AP) — Trae Young scored 38 points and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Charlotte Hornets 125-120 on Friday night behind LaMelo Ball’s 34 points and a career-best nine 3-pointers.

Ball made 9 of 14 3-pointers, surpassing his previous career high of eight.

De’Andre Hunter scored 24 points for Atlanta.

Charlotte never took the lead but even tied it twice in the final period.

Ball scored 34 points in the Hornets’ 110-105 win over Houston on Wednesday, which opened the regular season. He matched that total with his ninth 3-pointer with 7:31 left.

The Hornets were without two starters, including guard Brandon Miller. The team said Miller will be out of action for at least a week due to a strained left hip muscle. Center Mark Williams remained out with a strained tendon in his left foot.

takeaway

Hornets: Despite missing two starters, Charlotte showed depth with four double-digit scorers. Miles Bridges scored 27 points and Tre Mann scored 17 points. Nick Richards had 12 points and 13 rebounds.

Hawks: Young was constantly making baskets or making big plays when the Hornets were in a tight spot. With the game tied at 90, Young’s three-pointer gave Atlanta the lead back. After a 3-pointer by Charlotte’s Josh Green, Young answered with a short shot.

key moment

Ball, who went to the bench with his fifth foul with 6:50 left, returned to the field with 3:49 left. Just 15 seconds later, Ball was called for an offensive foul. The sixth foul was no secret, as Young immediately held up six fingers as Ball left the game for good.

Key statistics

Trailing 28-16 in the first quarter, the Hornets scored 42 points in the second period and closed the first half trailing 62-58. Ball scored 18 points in this period.

next

The Hornets host Miami in their home opener on Saturday, and the Hawks visit Oklahoma City on Sunday.

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