Tag: brandon miller

Brandon Miller shocks arena with dominant slam dunk, continues to impress

Former Alabama forward Brandon Miller brought jaws to the floor after making a posterizing dunk in the first half of the Hornets-Hawks game.

Alabama Crimson Tide fans are well aware of what former Tide forward Brandon Miller is able to do on the hardwood. On Wednesday night, he put his skillset to display. During the first half of the Charlotte Hornets-Atlanta Hawks game, the star rookie sent fans into a frenzy on a posterizing dunk over Hawks forward Bruno Fernando.

Miller finished the night with 27 points, three rebounds, and two assists. He also shot 9/17 from the floor and 5/11 from beyond the arc. His production helped lead the Hornets to a 115-114 victory atop the Hawks.

Unfortunately for Miller, he has not had much of a supporting cast this season. The Hornets have struggled to create a consistent rotation and have had to deal with multiple injuries this season. Needless to say, Miller has been more than dependable for the Hornets.

Miller will look to close out the season on a strong note heading into the offseason with the Hornets. Two games are remaining on the Hornets’ schedule. Those two games will come on the road against the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow the latest regarding the Alabama basketball program and its former Alabama players in the NBA.

WATCH: Panthers QB Bryce Young gets warm reception at Hornets game

Panthers QB Bryce Young got a nice reception while attending his first Hornets game this evening.

The Queen City was buzzing for their quarterback this evening.

On Sunday, the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets played host to the Oklahoma City Thunder from the Spectrum Center. In attendance for the matchup was Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, who got quite a reception when he was introduced to the crowd . . .

As it turns out, this was Young’s very first time at a Hornets game. Bally Sports reporter Ashley ShahAhmadi had the details on his visit as well as his relationship with fellow University of Alabama standout and Hornets forward Brandon Miller:

Miller was selected with the second overall pick of the 2023 NBA draft last June, less than two months after Young was selected with the first overall pick of the 2023 NFL draft. And like Young, Miller also entered the pro stage as an All-American, an SEC Player of the Year and a first-team All-SEC member.

Unfortunately, Young’s first game didn’t end up with a win—as the Thunder held off the Hornets, 121-118.

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Spurs’ Wembanyama, Hornets’ Miller named rookies of the month for third straight time

Victor Wembanyama and Brandon Miller for the third straight time have been named the Rookies of the Month for March.

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama and Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller were named the NBA Western and Eastern Conference rookies of the month, respectively, for the third straight time.

Wembanyama became the first Spurs rookie to win three months in a row since Tim Duncan after averaging 23.2 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.8 blocks and 1.2 steals in 12 games. He led all rookies in scoring, rebounding and blocks in March.

Miller averaged 18.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 14 games, becoming the fifth player in franchise history to win three times. He was second among rookies in scoring and led all first-year players in 3-pointers (42).

Wembanyama registered five 30-point games, the most by a rookie in a calendar month since LeBron James in December 2003. He produced a career-high 40 points and 20 rebounds on March 29, becoming the first rookie since Shaquille O’Neal in 1993 to reach that mark.

Miller was the third-fastest Hornets rookie to surpass 1,000 career points after reaching that mark on March 15 (60 games). He later registered his third 30-point game of the season after recording 31 points with a career-high seven 3s on March 27.

Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren, Memphis Grizzlies forward GG Jackson II and Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson were also nominated for the award from the West. Toronto Raptors guard Gradey Dick, Miami Heat guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Hornets forward Vasilije Micić were also nominated in the East.

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USA TODAY Sports projects Alabama as a team that could break their Final Four drought

USA TODAY Sports details why Alabama could break their Final Four drought

The Alabama Crimson Tide has never been to the Final Four of an NCAA Tournament. They’ve made nine sweet 16s and one elite eight, but have never been crowned as region champions. As the No. 1 overall seed in the 2023 Tournament with the best player in the country [autotag]Brandon Miller[/autotag] running the show it seemed as if that was destined to change, but a Sweet 16 loss to San Diego State ended those hopes.

This year’s team enters the Tournament flying a bit more under the radar as a four seed. Alabama tips off their 2024 March Madness campaign today at 6:35 p.m. C.T. against the Charleston Cougars. Alabama did land a very fortunate draw in their bracket with a potential round two game against St. Mary’s and likely North Carolina in the Sweet 16, the lowest-ranked one seed.

USA TODAY Sports writer Dan Wolken thinks that Alabama is one of the top teams that can break their Final Four drought. Wolken says of the Alabama side, “Nate Oats has been sniffing around some deep tournament runs, but it’s going to be a real challenge with this group because of its defense. Ranking just 112th in the KenPom efficiency stats, Alabama needs its outside shooting to be elite every time it takes the floor to have a chance against quality teams. It’s not impossible, but it’s hard to do − and Alabama comes into this tournament having lost four of its last six games.”

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Sam Murphy on Twitter @SamMurphy02.

Tyrese Maxey reacts to hit from Hornets’ Brandon Miller in Sixers’ win

Tyrese Maxey reacts to being hit in the face by Charlotte Hornets rookie Brandon Miller after a win for the Philadelphia 76ers.

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers were able to pick up a much-needed 109-98 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night at home, but they did have a little scare in the first half.

Hornets rookie Brandon Miller was trapped in the corner and as he was trying to escape, he accidentally forearmed Sixers star Tyrese Maxey in the face. Maxey was on the ground for a bit and began to bleed heavily.

Miller was called for a flagrant-2 foul and was ejected from the game as Maxey stayed in and scored 30 points to lead the Sixers to the win over the pesky Hornets.

“I was making a joke,” Maxey said after the win. “I got hit and I was like, ‘Oh no! Let me get up!’ Like I don’t want to go do that again, but I’m alright. I tell everybody I’m a soldier so it is what it is. I’m taking UFC lessons, though.”

Maxey was referring to the fact that he just got out of concussion protocol. It has been tough sledding as of late for the young star in terms of the hits he has taken as of late.

However, Maxey knows that Miller didn’t hit him intentionally. It was just an unfortunate play on the court.

“Also, I want to say, I know Brandon Miller didn’t mean to do that on purpose,” Maxey added. “The jokes I’m making are not personal.”

After the officials announced that Miller was hit with a flagrant-2, the jumbotron showed Maxey getting some work done on him by team trainer Kevin Johnson. Maxey looked into the camera with tissues in his bloody nostrils and he made a funny face that delighted the Wells Fargo Center crowd.

“I’m just having a little fun,” he smiled. “I mean, we have a great job. We’re blessed to wake up every single morning and do what we love to do, and I’m just a happy person and you know when it makes me happy, and playing basketball really makes me happy. So it was a cool moment and I just tried to make some fun out of it.”

The Hornets did rally without Miller and take the lead in the fourth quarter. It appeared that the Sixers were going to let another one slip away without Joel Embiid to save them, but Philadelphia received big plays from Maxey, Paul Reed, Mo Bamba, Kyle Lowry, and others down the stretch to pull off the win.

“I think guys did a good job of getting back to what they do best, and when we do that, I think we’re pretty good,” Maxey explained. “P-Reed was out there, he was dominating the glass and being active defensively. Mo Bamba got a few blocks today. He got his hands on a couple of deflections, and then KLow was big down the stretch as well. Not just his defensive presence, but just him being out there as a leader. We need that.”

The Sixers will take on the Miami Heat on Monday.

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Brandon Miller named as Eastern Conference Rookie of the month for the second time

Former Alabama superstar Brandon Miller named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month

At 15-46 on the year, and third to last in the Eastern Conference, not many eyes are on the Charlotte Hornets right now. However, don’t let that take away from the fact that former [autotag]Alabama[/autotag] superstar [autotag]Brandon Miller[/autotag] has been absolutely sensational this year.

Miller has started 48 games for the Hornets in 54 appearances averaging nearly 32 minutes a game. He’s been insanely efficient averaging 16.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 2.4 apg and is shooting 44% from the field and 37.7% from beyond the arc. However, the month of February was Miller’s coming out party as he averaged 20.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg and 2.5 apg. His efforts earned him an Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month accolade, Miller’s second of his rookie campaign.

Any other year, and Miller be running away with the Rookie of the Year award, unfortunately though, he just happened to be in the same class as [autotag]Victor Wembanyama[/autotag] who was widely regarded as the best prospect ever – and so far has lived up to the billing.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Sam Murphy on Twitter @SamMurphy02.

NBA Rookie of the Month: Victor Wembanyama, Brandon Miller win for February

Victor Wembanyama and Brandon Miller for the second straight time were named the NBA Western and Eastern Conference Rookies of the Month.

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama and Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller for the second straight time have been named the NBA Western and Eastern Conference rookies of the month for February, respectively.

Wembanyama became the first Spurs rookie to win in consecutive months since Tim Duncan in March and April 1998. Wembanyama averaged 21.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 3.9 blocks and two steals in 12 games. He led all rookies in scoring, rebounding, blocks and steals in the month.

Miller averaged 20.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.8 steals in 13 games. He became the sixth player in franchise history to win the award multiple times, and he was the first rookie this season to have back-to-back 30-point games in the month.

Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren and Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson were also nominated for the award in the West. Toronto Raptors guard Gradey Dick, Miami Heat guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson were nominated in the East.

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Hornets coach Steve Clifford on Brandon Miller: ‘He has a chance to be terrific’

Brandon Miller has had a productive rookie campaign and coach Steve Clifford believes he has a bright future ahead.

Brandon Miller has had a productive rookie campaign with the Charlotte Hornets and head coach Steve Clifford believes the second pick has a bright future.

Miller is averaging 16.5 points, four rebounds and 2.3 assists on 37.4% shooting from 3-point range in 53 appearances this season. He is third in scoring among rookies and is one of six first-year players with multiple 30-point games (2).

The 21-year-old has scored in double figures in 16 consecutive games, the third-longest streak by a rookie this season. He looks to be improving and is finishing the season on a high note.

Clifford explained how he has improved this season.

(He is) more confident off the dribble, his pick-and-roll game. I think probably just understanding the NBA game, the rules. When we started the season, he was coming off the bench. Now, he has really been almost like our go-to guy. He had a stretch maybe like four or five weeks ago where he was really tight.

He has played major minutes, a lot more minutes than I think he should have, but we had no choice with the injuries and so he hit a wall maybe for like 7-10 days. When we made the trades, especially with Terry (Rozier), you can see he sensed that we needed more from him and he has responded.

Miller will likely finish third in the Rookie of the Year race, though he should be a unanimous choice for the All-Rookie first team. He has emerged as one of the top first-year players and is establishing himself as a franchise cornerstone for the Hornets.

He was inconsistent earlier in the season due to injuries, but he has settled in and is showcasing himself at a high level. He was highly touted as a versatile player on both ends of the court coming out of Alabama, and he has lived up to expectations.

“He’s an old-school guy,” Clifford said. “His dad played football at Alabama. He has size. He has instincts and is a terrific learner. You don’t see that as much anymore with these younger guys. You don’t have to show him stuff eight times before he does it. … (His teammates) all like having him on the floor and he has a chance to be terrific, obviously.”

Note: Ky Carlin of Sixers Wire contributed to this report

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Rookie Wire Power Rankings: Victor Wembanyama remains No. 1 post-All-Star break

Rookie Wire took a look at the top first-year players over the last two weeks of the 2023-24 season.

The NBA enters the last two months of the regular-season schedule with teams positioning themselves for the playoffs entering .

The rookie class continues to impress nightly with players contributing at a high level on playoff contenders and other teams in the hunt. The group has been one of the most memorable in recent memory, headlined by Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren.

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They have established themselves as the top rookies and are the front-runners for Rookie of the Year as a result. The two 7-footers have dazzled seemingly every time they step onto the court and have had some strong performances.

To make sense of it all, we looked at the best recent performances of these first-year players and ranked them in the Rookie Wire Power Rankings. The rankings are not for Rookie of the Year purposes but to illustrate the best players week to week.

Rookie Brandon Miller eager to build on Hornets’ recent win streak

Brandon Miller and the Hornets are in the midst of their best stretch and will be looking to keep it going following the NBA All-Star break.

Brandon Miller and the Charlotte Hornets are in the midst of their best stretch of the season and look to keep it going following the NBA All-Star break.

The Hornets posted three consecutive wins over the past week by defeating Memphis, Indiana and Atlanta. Their three-game win streak is their longest of the season after defeating those opponents by an average of 13.7 points per game.

Miller has also been on a tear, averaging 22 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.1 steals on 40% shooting from 3-point range over his last 16 games. He has scored in double figures in 11 straight games and is second in rookie scoring over that stretch.

He wants to keep building on their recent run.

I know for sure we left off on a great note. We’re just going to keep building off those three wins and hopefully bring a great culture and a great atmosphere to Charlotte.

Miller was among the 11 first-year players selected to compete in the Rising Stars game on Friday. He and his team, which also included Victor Wembanyama, were upset in the semifinal round by the G League roster, who were led by Mac McClung.

The opportunity to play in the annual showcase game was a high point of the season for Miller. He enjoyed the chance to compete against and get to know some of the top up-and-coming players in the game throughout the festivities in Indianapolis, Indiana.

“I think just being around new people,” Miller said on Friday. “These are not my normal teammates, so just meeting the new guys and faces in the NBA, I think, is good for bonds off of the court. It is a great event to have for the bonding.”

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