Brandon Miller shines despite Hornets’ defeat against Bucks
In a contest that proved far more competitive than the final score of 123-113 would suggest, the Charlotte Hornets faced off against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Spectrum Center. The loss halted Charlotte’s two-game winning streak, but it was rookie standout Brandon Miller who lit up the court, scoring a season-high 31 points. Beyond his scoring, Miller contributed significantly with eight rebounds, five assists, and a defensive effort that featured both a steal and a block. He stepped up admirably in the absence of starters Kon Knueppel and Miles Bridges, both sidelined due to ankle injuries.
Highlight of the Night
Brandon Miller’s breathtaking dunk over Kyle Kuzma
Miller’s aerial exploits this season have become a spectacle in their own right, and Monday night’s performance showcased his acrobatic prowess at its finest. The highlight came when Miller executed a perfectly timed steal, sprinted down the court, and soared through the air before emphatically slamming the ball over Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma. Despite the undeniable brilliance of the dunk, somehow it failed to register on the NBA’s daily dunk score chart. It’s a mystery worthy of investigation; in my scorebook, that dunk was a resounding 10/10.
Defining Stats
5 three-pointers assisted by Giannis Antetokounmpo
94.3 offensive rating for the Hornets in half-court situations
Facing off against a two-time league MVP like Giannis Antetokounmpo presents a daunting challenge. As Charlotte quickly discovered, they were caught between two unattractive choices: allow him to dominate as a scorer or force him into a playmaking role and hope the rest of the Bucks falter. Unfortunately for the Hornets, their strategy backfired. Giannis showcased his lethal efficiency, scoring 24 points on just 16 attempts. When Charlotte sought to limit his scoring by encouraging him to facilitate, the Bucks capitalized, hitting five three-pointers directly off his assists.
On the other end, Milwaukee’s defensive structure posed significant challenges for the Hornets. Charlotte enjoyed a productive first half, slicing through the Bucks’ defense with precise ball movement. However, adjustments made by Bucks coach Doc Rivers shifted the game’s dynamics. By deploying a zone defense for substantial portions of the second half, Milwaukee disrupted Charlotte’s offensive flow. After a sizzling 40-point second-quarter performance, the Hornets managed only 47 points in the entirety of the second half. Their struggles were exacerbated by the inability to convert good looks at the rim, allowing the Bucks to extend their lead comfortably.
Stars of the Game
While Miller’s stellar performance illuminated the night, the contest was also defined by the contributions of several key players.
