By STEVE REED, AP Sports Writer

CHARLOTTE, N.C.
Victor Wembanyama has been the center of attention during the NBA offseason.

However, newcomer Brandon Miller demonstrated in the first game of the season that he also possesses some skill.

On Wednesday night, P.J. Washington led the Charlotte Hornets with 25 points while Miller contributed eight of his 13 points in the final quarter, giving the team a big boost. The Hornets were able to hold off the Atlanta Hawks with a final score of 116-110.

Miller, who was selected as the second overall pick in the draft after San Antonio’s Wembanyama, made his debut as the first substitute for the Hornets. He scored a 3-pointer from the left wing on his initial attempt, earning cheers from the home audience. However, the player from Alabama also received his third personal foul during the second quarter and was forced to spend a majority of the first half on the bench.

He came back and became more active in the last quarter, making a difficult 3-point shot from the corner and a backup layup before sinking another 3-pointer from the top of the key. This gave the Hornets a 101-99 advantage, which they maintained for the remaining 4 minutes and 19 seconds.

According to Hornets coach Steve Clifford, this player stands out from others his age. While he did face some difficulties with fouls, he was able to bounce back and make crucial plays in the final quarter. His self-confidence is evident when watching him play.

Miller’s best move was his step-back 3-pointer from the corner, which he made just in time to beat the shot clock. This play was what motivated and energized him.

“I still can’t believe it,” expressed Miller, who logged 24 minutes in his debut NBA match. “I think it will probably hit me when I try to sleep tonight. I know I’ll feel it tomorrow morning.”

Rozier and Washington both made successful shots to increase Charlotte’s advantage by six points with approximately one minute remaining in the game.

Trae Young reduced the margin to three points by making his first 3-pointer of the game, but Rozier countered with a quick jump shot from the baseline to extend the lead to two possessions with only 22 seconds remaining, ultimately securing the victory.

Rozier contributed 24 points for the Hornets, while LaMelo Ball bounced back from a challenging first half to end with 15 points and 10 assists. Mark Williams also made a significant impact with 13 points and 15 rebounds for Charlotte.

In his first game back after an eight-month absence due to a broken ankle, Ball had a difficult time in the first half, failing to make any of his eight field goal attempts. However, he made a comeback in the second half with four successful 3-pointers, shifting the game’s momentum.

Clifford stated that Ball is currently working on getting back into shape for basketball, as he was only recently given the green light to play about a month ago.

“He hasn’t found his rhythm yet,” Clifford stated. “It’s not anyone’s fault. He spent the summer rehabilitating. He will eventually get there. Nevertheless, I admired his competitive spirit. He had a strong desire to win.”

Young scored 23 points to lead the Hawks, but only made 1 of 9 attempts from behind the 3-point line. Jalen Johnson had a personal best of 21 points.

The Hawks only made 5 out of 29 attempts from 3-point range.

According to Hawks coach Quin Snyder, when a team is struggling to make 3-point shots, it can be challenging to defend against quick offensive plays. He believes that our team is capable of making both layups and three-pointers, but when our shooting is off, it’s common for defensive efforts to suffer.

UP NEXT

The Hawks will face the Knicks on Friday evening for their first home game of the season.

The Hornets will be hosting the Pistons on Friday evening.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

Source: wralsportsfan.com