PJ Washington, Rookie Brandon Miller Propel Charlotte Hornets to Victory over Atlanta Hawks

Rookie Brandon Miller shines in the Charlotte Hornets' season opener, scoring 13 points and making crucial plays in the fourth quarter.

In the season opener, rookie Brandon Miller showcased his abilities on the court, proving that he can hold his own alongside his teammates. The Charlotte Hornets secured a 116-110 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, with P.J. Washington leading the way with 25 points. However, it was Miller who provided a significant boost, scoring eight of his 13 points in the fourth quarter.

As the second overall pick in the draft, Miller made an immediate impact as the first player off the bench for the Hornets. His first shot attempt, a 3-pointer from the left wing, ignited the crowd and set the tone for his performance. Despite picking up his third foul in the second quarter, Miller returned in the fourth quarter and quickly found his rhythm. He hit a step-back 3-pointer from the corner and followed it up with a layup and another 3-pointer from the top of the key, giving the Hornets a lead they held onto for the remainder of the game.

Hornets coach Steve Clifford praised Miller's resilience, noting that he didn't let foul trouble hinder his confidence. Clifford commended Miller's ability to bounce back and make crucial plays when it mattered most. Miller himself highlighted his step-back 3-pointer as his best play of the game, acknowledging that the moment hasn't fully sunk in yet.

Washington and Terry Rozier also made significant contributions to the Hornets' victory. Washington hit runners to extend Charlotte's lead, while Rozier sealed the win with a pull-up jumper. LaMelo Ball, who returned to regular-season play after recovering from an ankle injury, struggled in the first half but found his rhythm in the second half, hitting four 3-pointers to shift the momentum in the Hornets' favor. Mark Williams provided valuable support with 13 points and 15 rebounds.

Despite the Hawks' efforts, including Trae Young's late 3-pointer to narrow the gap, the Hornets' strong performance proved too much to overcome. Hawks coach Quin Snyder acknowledged the difficulty of defending against a team that excels in both layups and 3-pointers, particularly when struggling with their own shooting.

Looking ahead, the Hawks will host the Knicks in their home opener on Friday night.

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