It hasn't been the start to his second year in the NBA that Brandon Miller wanted so far after he suffered an injury in the first game that slowed his momentum from a brilliant preseason. In his third game back from injury for the Charlotte Hornets at home against the Detroit Pistons, while Miller is still struggling with his shot, he made the one when it counted the most.
Miller made a critical turnover on the possession before with the Hornets leading by one, ultimately coughing the ball up from the relentless Detroit pressure. The Pistons took the one point lead, but the Hornets would get the last crack at it.
Hornets star point guard Lamelo Ball had been having a huge fourth quarter and everyone in the arena figured the ball was going to him. He was covered up and the ball ended up in the unlikely hands of Grant Williams. Williams launched a three that missed, but Miller crashed the glass, corralled the rebound, and put the ball off the glass as the buzzer sounded.
CRASH THE GLASS.
— NBA (@NBA) November 7, 2024
WIN THE GAME.
Brandon Miller gives the @hornets their 3rd win of the year at the buzzer!#TissotBuzzerBeater #YourTimeDefinesYourGreatness https://t.co/xveYCWLwkJ pic.twitter.com/aiONZvFCBD
It was the first game winner of Miller's NBA career. Alabama fans are familiar with Miller's end-of-game heroics. In a road game at South Carolina during Miller's year in Tuscaloosa, the superstar freshman hit a game-winning layup as part of a 41-point effort.
Miller finished third in Rookie of the Year voting during his first season in the league. As he continues working his way back from injury, Miller's stats will continue getting better. He finished with 19 points in Charlotte's win on Wednesday night.