In a nail-biting finish, rookie Brandon Miller’s buzzer-beating putback layup lifted the Charlotte Hornets over the Detroit Pistons, clinching a 107-106 victory in dramatic fashion.
Miller’s last-second heroics capped off a thrilling matchup, as Charlotte rallied to snatch the win from Detroit’s grasp and improve their season record to 3-5.
The Hornets leaned heavily on LaMelo Ball, who showcased his leadership and versatility throughout the game. Ball led Charlotte with 25 points, including an impressive five three-pointers, alongside six rebounds, eight assists, and two steals. He was the engine behind Charlotte’s offense, orchestrating plays and creating opportunities while also delivering when it mattered from deep.
Miles Bridges played a crucial supporting role, contributing 27 points and seven rebounds. Bridges’ scoring consistency and hustle on the boards kept the Hornets competitive and allowed them to stay within striking distance as the game progressed. His ability to generate points in the paint and stretch the floor helped open up opportunities for his teammates, particularly in the second half.
Brandon Miller, the night’s hero, not only had the final putback but also contributed across the board, finishing with 19 points, three three-pointers, six rebounds, and four assists. Miller’s game-winner underscored his poise under pressure, as he showed the kind of instinct and awareness that are rare for a rookie. As time wound down, he was in the right place at the right time to capitalize on a missed shot, sealing Charlotte’s comeback victory.
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For the Pistons, Cade Cunningham delivered a standout performance, logging his fourth career triple-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. Cunningham’s playmaking and shot selection were instrumental in keeping Detroit in contention, especially as he facilitated scoring opportunities and kept the offense flowing. His ability to balance scoring with facilitating continues to highlight his potential as a cornerstone for Detroit’s future.
Jaden Ivey was another key contributor for the Pistons, finishing with 21 points, including three shots from beyond the arc, while adding four rebounds and five assists. Ivey’s energy and shooting from range gave the Pistons a much-needed offensive boost, particularly during a strong third quarter that saw Detroit gain momentum. His play alongside Cunningham offered a glimpse of the potential dynamic backcourt Detroit is building.
Despite their solid performances, Detroit ultimately fell short. The Pistons’ defensive lapses in the closing minutes allowed Charlotte to stay within reach, and Miller’s putback exposed Detroit’s vulnerability on the boards. Head Coach Monty Williams pointed to the need for greater discipline in late-game scenarios, noting that costly mistakes and missed defensive rotations proved to be the difference-maker.
With the win, the Hornets snapped a three-game losing streak and showed a glimpse of their potential when they operate cohesively. Head Coach Steve Clifford praised his team’s resilience, especially the composure of young players like Miller in high-pressure situations. “Brandon made a winning play when we needed it most,” Clifford said, adding that the Hornets’ effort on both ends of the floor was critical in sealing the win.
The Pistons, now 3-6, will need to regroup quickly as they look to address the late-game errors that have plagued them. Detroit’s young core continues to show flashes of brilliance, but consistency remains a challenge. For Cunningham, who led the team with his triple-double, the focus will be on translating strong individual performances into collective success as the team works to build a winning culture.
Both teams have early-season struggles to iron out, but with young, promising rosters, there’s hope for steady improvement as the season unfolds. Fans can expect more competitive clashes between these two teams, both of which are building for the future. As Miller’s last-second heroics demonstrated, even early-season matchups can deliver thrilling moments and valuable experience for the league’s rising stars.
