Rookie point guard LaMelo Ball continues to improve, and as a starter against the Jazz on Friday, had the highest-scoring game of his young career.

Ball posted 34 points on 51.9 percent shooting, along with eight assists against zero turnovers, in Charlotte's 136-121 loss to Utah. He scored the most points by a Hornets rookie since Alonzo Mourning in 1993. 

Jazz star Donovan Mitchell took note, calling the rookie "the real deal."

"I'm not going to lie, I'm very impressed," said Mitchell. "Not just his playmaking ability and his competitiveness, but his joy. I don't think I have ever not seen him smile throughout the game."