Hornets Send Pistons Packing On Brandon Miller Buzzer Beater

NBA: Detroit Pistons at Charlotte Hornets

Nov 6, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) hugs forward Brandon Miller (24) as they walk off the court with a last second shot over the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Jim Dedmon/Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The Hornets Win a Thriller
The Charlotte Hornets snatched a last-second victory over the Detroit Pistons, 108-107, thanks to Brandon Miller’s offensive rebound and game-winning tip-in after a wild inbound sequence. The atmosphere was electric, and the energy was unmistakable as Miller crashed the boards, pushing the Hornets into the win column after a scrappy night.

LaMelo Steals the Fourth Quarter Show
If there was ever a time to see LaMelo Ball shine, it was in this game. He came alive in the fourth quarter, scoring 15 of his 18 second-half points and nailing three crucial three-pointers that left Pistons fans and defenders alike wondering “What is anyone supposed to do about this guy when he’s on like this?” LaMelo has shown streaky brilliance, but this stretch proved once again that he’s built for the high-pressure moments. After a rocky start to the season, his resilience and poise were on full display. Despite some missed calls that clearly rattled him, he kept his head in the game and contributed mightily, keeping the Hornets in contention.

Bridges Returns to Form
Miles Bridges delivered his most impactful performance of the season. Coming off a few lackluster games, he exploded with 27 points and provided much-needed momentum, particularly in the second quarter, where he scored nine points. Coach Charles Lee made it clear that he’s willing to adjust, tweaking plays to get Bridges more involved and unlock his potential. This was a great example of how a small shift can pay big dividends, both for the player and the team.

The Miller Magic
While the focus has often been on LaMelo and Bridges, Brandon Miller has quietly improved. Miller’s athleticism on the boards, especially in crunch time, proved crucial. His offensive rebounding has been a pleasant surprise this season, giving the Hornets a new edge in close games. A one-point game came down to a single board — and Miller was there to claim it.

Coach Charles Lee’s Growth
Charles Lee is making quick adjustments, learning the intricacies of his players’ strengths and needs. For example, he tweaked rotations to give Bridges better scoring opportunities, leading to a standout night. Lee has embraced the balancing act that comes with being a new head coach, adapting game plans on the fly and showing an understanding that developing chemistry isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Next Up
With the Pacers and a Joel Embiid-less 76ers on the schedule, there’s a chance to build momentum. Each game tests the Hornets’ adaptability, and they’ll need to keep experimenting to find a reliable winning formula. One thing is certain — if LaMelo keeps hitting shots like he did in this fourth quarter, and Miller stays aggressive on the glass, this team will be a challenging matchup for any opponent.

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