Spectrum Center Arena | Carolina Hornets
Spectrum Center Arena | Carolina Hornets
In a thrilling finish at the Spectrum Center, Brandon Miller's last-second putback layup secured a 108-107 victory for the Charlotte Hornets over the Detroit Pistons. The game concluded with Miller redeeming himself after a turnover by scoring the decisive basket just as time expired.
Miles Bridges led the Hornets with 27 points, complemented by LaMelo Ball's 25 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter. Miller contributed significantly with 19 points, six rebounds, and four assists. On the Pistons' side, Cade Cunningham achieved his second consecutive triple-double with 20 points, ten rebounds, and ten assists.
The game's turning point occurred when neither team had led by more than nine points. With two minutes left and tied at 101-101, Jaden Ivey scored on free throws and a dunk to keep Detroit close. A turnover forced by double-teaming Miller allowed Ron Holland II to score on a fast break for Detroit. However, Miller made up for it by grabbing an offensive rebound from Grant Williams' missed three-pointer and scoring to win the game.
Detroit faced challenges early on when center Jalen Duren injured his ankle shortly after tipoff. Despite this setback and their size advantage being diminished, they narrowly lost the rebounding battle to Charlotte.
The Hornets committed only 12 turnovers while limiting Detroit to five points off these errors. This statistic reflects Charlotte's focus on minimizing mistakes against one of the NBA's top rebounding teams.
Hornets Head Coach Charles Lee praised Miller: “I love that [Brandon] was able to make that game-winning play...To find the composure, the poise, the confidence and the resilience to just battle back...That’s who Brandon Miller is.”
Looking ahead, Charlotte will host Indiana Pacers next on Friday at 7 PM ET. Last season saw both teams winning their respective home games in their encounters.