Doug Branson here, the host of the daily Locked On Hornets podcast, with your daily Locked On Hornets newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Hornets and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Hornets Send Pistons Packing On Brandon Miller Buzzer Beater
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.
We’re about 10% of the way through the season, which means we’ve seen enough of the rookie class to make iron-clad judgments on them that will never change. First impression, last impression.
Kidding, of course; sample sizes are still small, and both we and the debutants themselves are learning a ton. Watching this class take their first baby-giraffe steps in the league has been a blast, so I’ve selected four rookies worth discussing.
1) Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies
Edey’s performance has been predictably up-and-down. On the one hand, he’s started to figure out how to defend without fouling. After infamously fouling out in just 15 minutes in his NBA debut, Edey hasn’t accrued more than three infractions in any of his last six games (although he did pick up three in just 15 minutes last night). Opponents are shooting just 55.6% against him at the rim, a better number than Anthony Davis or Rudy Gobert, and they take fewer attempts at the rim when he’s on the court. There’s a slight deterrence factor already at play.
Edey had a game where he went 11-for-12 from the field, but most of his damage has been done on putbacks and dump-offs. He has only generated 13 points on his 21 post-up possessions, a terrible mark, and his beloved hook shot has abandoned him.
Most peculiarly, a man I predicted might lead the league in screen assists has not been nearly as impactful a screener as I expected. Part of that is the Grizzlies leaning a bit away from the pick-and-roll-centric attack they’ve heavily featured in the past, and part is on some junior-high-school-level chemistry with Ja Morant (see here, where Edey whiffs on the screen and then can’t get to the lob quick enough). That said, he’s already mastered the rolling Gortat screen, a key tool for creating space for Morant. Now, he just needs more reps.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Personnel Charles Lee’s insights on Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges after the game against the Pistons highlight the duo’s evolving roles in the Hornets’ lineup.
Analysis The Hornets’ narrow victory over the Pistons showcases a potential blueprint for long-term success, focusing on strategic plays and player development.
Personnel Owen Phillips of The F5 examines whether a coach can translate their styles between different teams. For example, what trends and principles has Kenny Atkinson instilled in the Cavaliers that we first saw in his Nets tenure?
Analysis ESPN’s Kevin Pelton looks at some early trends, such as the impact Jeremy Sochan’s injury might have on Victor Wembanyama’s offense, the Thunder defense, and more.
Must Read Joseph Casciaro and Joe Wolfond of theScore have 10 observations on the young season, including a look at the Bulls’ blistering pace, KAT’s defensive issues, and much more.
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Zaccharie Risacher’s Big Night Brings Fantasy Basketball Questions
Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (10) shoots over New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) during the second half at State Farm Arena.|Photo by Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
In the world of fantasy basketball, player performances can fluctuate wildly, and Wednesday’s games were no exception. While Zach Edey had previously dazzled fans with a standout performance against the Nets, his recent outing was less than stellar. Facing tougher competition, Edey managed just eight points and seven rebounds in 15 minutes. This game served as a reminder that while Edey has potential, consistency is key, and fantasy managers should be cautious about overcommitting to him based on a single strong performance.
On the flip side, Zaccharie Risacher delivered a performance that turned heads and could have significant fantasy implications. Starting for the Atlanta Hawks, Risacher exploded for 33 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks. His shooting was on point, and he contributed across multiple categories, making him a hot commodity in fantasy leagues. With De’Andre Hunter still sidelined, Risacher’s role in the starting lineup seems secure for now, and his ability to fill the stat sheet makes him a valuable asset.
Risacher’s breakout game highlights the importance of monitoring player roles and opportunities. While his previous performances were inconsistent, this game showcased his potential when given the chance. Fantasy managers should consider adding Risacher, especially if he continues to see significant minutes and usage.
As always, staying updated on player performances and team dynamics is crucial for fantasy success. Keep an eye on how these players develop in the coming games, and adjust your fantasy strategies accordingly. For more insights and analysis, be sure to follow the latest episodes of the Locked On Fantasy Basketball podcast.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Hornets podcasts.
Hornets BUZZER BEATER: Miller’s Heroics, LaMelo’s Explosive Fourth Quarter, and Bridges’ Big Night In a nail-biter, the Charlotte Hornets secure a thrilling 108-107 win against the Detroit Pistons, powered by Brandon Miller’s game-winning tip-in, LaMelo Ball’s electric fourth-quarter performance, and Miles Bridges’ resurgence. We break down Miller’s offensive rebound, LaMelo’s scoring rampage, and Coach Charles Lee’s tactical adjustments to get the best out of Bridges.
Charlotte Hornets Face Big Man Crisis with Nick Richards Injury Plus Charles Lee Coaching Critiques With the Hornets facing a major setback after Nick Richards’ rib injury, the team’s frontcourt depth is in serious trouble. How will they adjust with both Richards and Mark Williams sidelined? In this episode of Locked On Hornets, we dig into the implications of this injury for Charlotte’s season and discuss Coach Charles Lee’s strategies under pressure.
LaMelo Ball & Charles Lee Clash in Latest Frustrating Charlotte Hornets Defeat Can the Hornets regroup after a blowout against the Timberwolves? The Charlotte Hornets faced their toughest loss of the season with a 114-93 blowout by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Once again LaMelo Ball’s fouls and turnovers were a story, leading to a VERY interesting public display of correction from Charles Lee and his star player. We explore how the absence of big men hurt Charlotte’s ability to handle Minnesota’s size and why the Hornets’ three-point attempts missed the mark. Is there hope for the Hornets to bounce back?
