Hornets' Brandon Miller Sees Loss to Magic as 'Good Learning Experience'

The young star remains optimistic about Charlotte's future despite the season-ending defeat.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 4:56am

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Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller expressed optimism about the team's future despite their blowout loss to the Orlando Magic in the play-in tournament. Miller, who completed his third NBA season, believes the defeat was a 'good learning experience' that will help the Hornets regroup and come back stronger next year.

Why it matters

The Hornets had a solid regular season and were one win away from securing the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Though the lopsided loss to the Magic ended their season, Miller's positive outlook suggests the team's young core, led by players like LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, have the potential to make a deeper playoff run in the future.

The details

In the 130-91 loss to Orlando, four Hornets players scored in double figures, including Miller with 14 points and 3 rebounds. LaMelo Ball led the team with 23 points, 5 assists and 2 rebounds. The Hornets finished the regular season with a 44-38 record, good for 9th place in the East. They will now focus on improving through the draft and free agency as they seek to make their first playoff appearance since 2016.

  • The Hornets' season-ending loss to the Magic occurred on Friday, April 18, 2026.
  • Charlotte finished the 2025-26 regular season with a 44-38 record.

The players

Brandon Miller

A 24-year-old forward who is in his third NBA season with the Charlotte Hornets, emerging as one of the team's most promising young stars.

LaMelo Ball

The Hornets' star point guard who led the team in scoring with 23 points in the loss to the Magic.

Miles Bridges

A key member of the Hornets' young core, Bridges scored 15 points in the season-ending defeat.

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What they’re saying

“This is a good learning experience. We will be ready for next year...The thing I'm most proud of about this team is just the heart and the fight that we showed every night. We put ourselves in a great position this year.”

— Brandon Miller, Hornets Forward

What’s next

The Hornets will focus on improving their roster through the NBA Draft and free agency as they seek to make their first playoff appearance since 2016.

The takeaway

Despite the disappointing end to their season, the Hornets have reason for optimism with their young core of talent led by Brandon Miller, LaMelo Ball, and Miles Bridges. The team's competitive regular season and Miller's positive outlook suggest they are on the right track to becoming a consistent playoff contender in the Eastern Conference.