Hornets hand Spurs 14th loss in row

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — LaMelo Ball had 28 points, 10 assists and a season-high 12 rebounds and the Charlotte Hornets beat San Antonio 120-110 on Wednesday night to send the Spurs into the NBA All-Star break with a franchise-record 14-game losing streak.

The 21-year-old Ball became the second-youngest player in NBA history to reach 1,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 1,000 assists in his career.

“He is an ultra-talented player for sure,” Hornets swingman Gordon Hayward said. “Great vision for sure and he’s all over the court. (With rebounding) he has an special ability to be in the right place at the right time. … He’s obviously a great player already and I think he will continue to grow into an even better one.”

When told about the accomplishment Ball immediately correctly guessed that LeBron James was the only player younger than him to reach that pinnacle.

“I don’t like to trip to up with that stuff,” Ball said of being on the same list as James. “I just go out and try to get win after win.”

For Ball, it was his third triple-double of the season and franchise-leading ninth overall.

The Hornets got another solid contribution from P.J. Washington, who had 22 points and 10 rebounds, and rookie Mark Williams added 12 points, 10 rebounds and four blocked shots as Charlotte won its second straight game.

The Hornets had 12 blocks in all, including five by backup center Nick Richards.

For years the Panthers have sought a rim protector — and now it appears they have two young and capable shot blockers in 7-footers Williams and Richards.

Malaki Branham had 23 points and Keldon Johnson added 21 points for the Spurs, who have not won on the road since beating Houston on Dec. 19. Doug McDermott added 17 points on five 3s.