Brandon Miller had a remarkable game by making his first 10 shots and scoring 32 points as the Charlotte Hornets ended the Orlando Magic’s three-game winning streak with a 124-115 victory on Friday night.
Miles Bridges contributed 23 points, and Grant Williams added 18 points as the Hornets secured only their second win in their last 11 games.
Despite their disappointing loss, Paolo Banchero had an impressive performance for the Magic with 32 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. Franz Wagner also chipped in with 22 points.
Orlando came into the game tied with the New York Knicks for fourth place in the Eastern Conference, aiming to secure home-court advantage in the playoffs’ first round. However, they faced a tough challenge from Brandon Miller, who dominated the game.
Miller made five 3-pointers and scored 24 points in less than two minutes into the second quarter, helping the Hornets build a commanding 45-27 lead.
In the first half, Miller was flawless, making all 10 of his field goal attempts, which is a rare achievement in NBA history. He joined the elite company of Steph Curry as the only player to score at least 25 points in a half while shooting perfectly from the field and the free-throw line, with a minimum of five 3-point attempts.
“That’s a significant achievement,” Miller said. “He’s a legend, definitely one of the best shooters. To be mentioned in that category is truly an honor.” Despite his incredible performance, Miller stayed humble, stating that every game feels the same for him.
Miller’s outstanding performance came after a disappointing shooting night against Portland, where he made just 1 of 8 3-point attempts. However, he showed resilience and bounced back strongly. Magic coach Jamahl Mosley praised Miller’s growth and consistency throughout the season, acknowledging his improvement and dedication.
Moreover, Miller’s performance moved him into fifth place in NBA history for 3-pointers made by a rookie in a season, surpassing names like Luka Dončić and Anthony Edwards.
Although the Magic narrowed the gap to four points in the fourth quarter, the Hornets regained control. They secured the win with crucial plays from Vasa Micic, who assisted Grant Williams for a key 3-pointer and then found Miller for an easy layup, sealing the victory for Charlotte.
