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.
Brandon Miller, LaMelo Ball Score 30+ in Complicated Overtime Win
Nov 8, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (24) during the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images | Scott Kinser/Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
🏀 The Big Picture The Charlotte Hornets secured a nail-biting 123-121 OT win over the Detroit Pistons, with Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball combining for 73 points. Miller scored a career-high 38 points, hitting eight three-pointers, while Ball responded to last game’s benching with 35 points and nine assists.
💥 Why It Matters • Miller’s Breakout: Miller showcased his potential as a two-way star, stepping up offensively and defensively, especially after Ball fouled out.
• LaMelo’s Impact: Despite foul trouble, Ball continued to attack, getting to the line and creating for teammates. His ability to adapt under pressure is promising but inconsistent.
• Team Challenges: The Hornets’ defensive struggles and lack of point guard depth remain glaring issues, underscoring the need for reinforcements in the paint and more consistency from role players.
🔑 Key Stats
• Miller: 38 points, 15-26 FG, and 8-13 from three for Miller.
• Ball: 35 points, nine assists, and seven free-throw attempts for Ball.
• First time in franchise history that two players had 30+ in the same game...that’s kinda nuts.
• Hornets made 20 threes for the second consecutive game!!
🧐 My Take Brandon Miller’s aggression was the difference-maker, showing that he can take over games when needed. However, his seven turnovers and defensive lapses highlight areas for growth. Meanwhile, LaMelo Ball’s foul trouble continues to frustrate; it’s hard to watch him dominate offensively, only to lose him in critical moments.
The absence of Mark Williams was glaring, as the Pistons controlled the paint and forced the Hornets into a perimeter-reliant offense. While Moussa Diabate provided energy on the boards, this team needs its full rotation healthy to compete at higher levels.
🚨 What’s Next The Hornets look to build on this win as they await updates on injured players like Mark Williams and Nick Richards. Can Miller and Ball sustain this chemistry? And how will they handle tougher competition with lingering issues like fouling and rebounding?
They’ve had close wins, technical wins, nail-biters and blow-outs; they’ve (reportedly) turned down superstars and and currently sit third in the west with a record of 11-5 — In a Western Conference finally coming alive, can the Houston Rockets keep this up?
The Rockets are on pace to tie or surpass the franchise’s win record of 64, set by a team led by James Harden in 2017-2018. It was Harden’s — and all the failed years of being in the running for title contention — ghost that still hung over the franchise as recently as last season, no matter that Harden himself has been part of three different rosters since he sulked his way out of Houston. Everything from the Rockets brand of basketball to the team’s waylaid trajectory back into competition had been set and then upended by him.
It was something of an exorcism then, that Houston handily beat Harden’s current team, the Clippers, in back-to-back games this week.
What feels especially lasting about the winning pace the Rockets have set is that there’s plenty room for the team to improve. Houston’s sitting at 25th overall in field goal percentage, 27th in three-point percentage, and is still claiming the ninth overall offensive ranking in the league. Their starters have all been shooting well below their career bests, and yet, nothing about the Rockets’ wins have looked harried.
For a team that has an average of just four years NBA experience between them, there’s a wealth of patience. When the Rockets have been pressed this season, or teams like the Pacers and Bulls have tried to rush them with pace, they fall back on snapping passes and sinking into ball movement. There are still sequences of ISO ball and flubbed defensive rotations, but Houston has leaned into their transitions as opportunities to reset. No doubt in part to having the always unflappable Fred VanVleet driving this thing, plus the veteran offensive ballasts of Jeff Green and Dillon Brooks.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Replay Despite a valiant effort, the Charlotte Hornets couldn’t secure a win against the Detroit Pistons. A close match ended with the Pistons edging out the Hornets 111-106 in the final moments. (AP News)
Honor PJ Washington expressed admiration for Brandon Miller’s outstanding performance. Miller’s 38-point outburst set a new career high and earned him high praise from teammates. (Sports Illustrated)
Personnel Assistant coach Charles Lee clarified that LaMelo Ball’s benching was not meant as a disciplinary action but a strategic decision during the game. (Sports Illustrated)
Legacy Will NBA expansion bring the SuperSonics back to Seattle? Find out. (The Athletic)
Biz Amid their early-season tank, the Sixers expected to scour the trade market for power forwards. (Real GM)
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Franz Wagner A First Round Fantasy Basketball Player?
Nov 21, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) celebrates with guard Jalen Suggs (4) after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers with a 3-point basket with 2.5 seconds left in the game at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Orlando Magic edged out the LA Lakers with a 119-118 victory. The game was a showcase of talent and strategy, with the Magic overcoming a deficit to secure the win. Franz Wagner was the standout performer, continuing his impressive form with a stellar 37 points, six rebounds, and 11 assists. His all-around game, including four steals and four threes, solidified his status as a top fantasy asset. Wagner’s recent performances have elevated him to first-round value in fantasy leagues, making him a potential sell-high candidate, though his current form might make holding onto him equally appealing.
Dalton Knecht’s Role and Performance
Dalton Knecht played a significant role for the Lakers, logging the most minutes on the team. While his 17 points, four rebounds, and one assist were solid, they highlighted the limitations in his fantasy profile. Knecht’s reliance on scoring and shooting efficiency means that while he’s a valuable asset, his contributions in other categories remain limited. Fantasy managers should monitor his role closely, especially as the Lakers adjust their rotations.
Anthony Black’s Consistency Concerns
Anthony Black’s performance was less consistent, with 4 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists on 25% shooting. While his recent games have shown flashes of potential, this outing underscores the volatility in his production. Fantasy managers who picked up Black for his upside should consider holding him through the Magic’s favourable schedule but remain cautious about his long-term consistency.
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Brandon Miller Shines with Career-High 38 in OT Thriller! LaMelo Ball Drops 35! Charlotte Hornets Win! The Charlotte Hornets picked up an electrifying overtime win against the Detroit Pistons, with Brandon Miller delivering a career-high 38 points and LaMelo Ball contributing 35 in a high-stakes performance. In this episode of Locked On Hornets, Walker Mehl and Doug Branson break down all the critical moments, from Miller’s clutch three-pointers in overtime to LaMelo’s determined response after being benched in the previous game. Both young stars showed their brilliance, but not without challenges.
LaMelo Ball’s Rises Up NBA Rankings + Can Charlotte Hornets Rebound vs. Detroit Pistons? In this episode of Locked On Hornets, Walker Mehl and Doug Branson dive deep into the drama surrounding LaMelo Ball’s recent benching. Despite the controversy, LaMelo continues to climb NBA player rankings, landing at an impressive 27th on The Ringer’s latest list. The duo analyzes why LaMelo’s sky-high usage rate is drawing comparisons to NBA greats like Stephen Curry and James Harden and how injuries to key players like Mark Williams and Nick Richards have impacted LaMelo’s style of play.
LaMelo Ball Benched in the 4th! What was Charles Lee THINKING?! The Charlotte Hornets lost a tight NBA Cup game to the Brooklyn Nets, but the biggest story was LaMelo Ball sitting out the final 3:47 of the fourth quarter. Hosts Walker Mehl, Doug Branson, and David Walker dissect Charles Lee’s controversial decision and what it means for the Hornets’ franchise player. They explore the dynamic between LaMelo and Lee, speculate about long-term implications, and break down Brandon Miller’s standout performance. Plus, why did the officiating leave everyone scratching their heads? Tune in for in-depth analysis on a pivotal night for the Hornets.
