In a thrilling overtime encounter, Brandon Miller led the charge for the Charlotte Hornets as he tallied a remarkable 38 points, helping secure a narrow 123-121 victory against the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night.

Miller showcased his shooting prowess, sinking 8 of 12 attempts from beyond the arc, including two crucial three-pointers in overtime. Meanwhile, LaMelo Ball contributed significantly with 35 points and nine assists but was forced to exit the game due to fouling out just one second into the overtime period. Charlotte managed to clinch the win despite letting slip a 20-point advantage during the third quarter.

Cade Cunningham of Detroit made an impact with 27 points and 10 assists but was ultimately sidelined with a hip injury with only 48 seconds left in regulation after being fouled by Grant Williams. Before his exit, Cunningham managed to hit two free throws, cementing his performance for the night.

LaMelo Ball, who faced significant foul troubles earlier in the season, picked up three fouls in the first quarter and found himself on the bench briefly. However, he returned to lead Charlotte with an impressive scoring streak, contributing 13 points during a key stretch in the third quarter.

As the game progressed, the Pistons made a strong comeback, managing to snatch the lead thanks to Cunningham’s free throws. Ball valiantly tied the game with a floater, while teammate Malik Beasley struggled with two missed close-range opportunities. In a tense moment at the end of regulation, Ball attempted a floater to clinch the game but was unable to convert.

Takeaways from the game indicate that Jalen Duren struggled to make a significant impact, finishing with five points and nine rebounds, despite the Hornets playing without their centers, Mark Williams and Nick Richards.

Regarding the Hornets, both Williams and Richards have reportedly returned to group activities and are nearing a return to competitive play, which will be a boost for the team.

A pivotal moment in the game was when Miller hit his career-high eighth three-pointer with just 32 seconds left in overtime, extending Charlotte’s lead to six points.

Notably, this game marked a historic moment for the Hornets, as both Miller and Ball became the first players in franchise history to score 35 points in the same game.

Looking ahead, the Pistons are set to face the Orlando Magic on Saturday, while the Hornets will travel to challenge the Milwaukee Bucks.