4. Lonzo Ball showing signs of aggressiveness
If the injury to Rajon Rondo was going to present an opportunity for anyone, it was Lonzo Ball. Ball is not the unquestioned starting point guard and will be relied upon to fill a bigger role. However, through two games, Ball struggled mightily.
Against the Magic and Heat, Ball shot 1-of-11, including 0-for-7 from deep, scoring only two points. His rebounding and assists were strong, but the lack of scoring was glaring. In the first half against the Cavaliers, it was much of the same. However, something clicked in the second half.
A switch went off in his head after halftime. In the second half against the Cavaliers, aggressive Lonzo Ball came out and it was great to see. Ball attacked in transition, scoring at the rim on multiple positions. That kind of aggression is something fans have been waiting to see, as Ball is sometimes too passive offensively.
Against the Cavaliers, Ball finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, six assists and one steal. He attempted only two 3-pointers, making one of them. This was only the fourth time all season that less than half of Ball’s shot attempts in a game came from behind the 3-point line.
The game against Cleveland was arguably the best for Lonzo this season. Hopefully, that aggressive play is something we see more consistency and it wasn’t just a one-time thing.