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Brandon Miller Rallies Hornets Ahead of Playoff Push
Charlotte's star rookie delivers inspiring message after big win over Nets
Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:08am
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Following back-to-back losses, the Charlotte Hornets bounced back with a dominant 31-point victory over the Brooklyn Nets. Rookie Brandon Miller led the way with 25 points, and the Hornets held the Nets to just 20% shooting from three-point range. After the game, Miller spoke about the team's heart and determination to keep building wins for the city of Charlotte as they jockey for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.
Why it matters
The Hornets are in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race, currently tied for the 9th seed with the Miami Heat. With just a few games left in the regular season, Charlotte is fighting to secure a spot in the Play-In Tournament and potentially earn a postseason berth. Miller's leadership and the team's recent strong play could be key factors in determining their playoff fate.
The details
The Hornets led for 98% of the game against the Nets, dominating on both ends of the floor. In addition to Miller's 25 points, the team had six players score in double figures, and rookie Moussa Diabate recorded a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Charlotte's defense was stifling, holding Brooklyn to just 20% shooting from three-point range and winning the rebounding battle 47-30.
- The Hornets entered Tuesday's game against the Nets having already clinched a top-10 seed in the Eastern Conference, earning them a spot in the Play-In Tournament.
- With the win, Charlotte tied the Miami Heat once again for ninth place in the East, with the Orlando Magic just half a game ahead in eighth and the Philadelphia 76ers one and a half games ahead in seventh.
The players
Brandon Miller
The Hornets' star rookie, who scored a game-high 25 points in the win over the Nets and delivered an inspiring message about the team's heart and determination to keep building wins for the city of Charlotte.
Moussa Diabate
The Hornets' rookie forward, who provided a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds in the win over the Nets.
LaMelo Ball
The Hornets' star point guard, who scored 14 points and reached a personal milestone in the win over the Nets.
What they’re saying
“I think the heart is there, the heart is showing every night. We're competing at the highest level against any team on any given night and just building wins for the city of Charlotte. I think we've been doing a great job with that.”
— Brandon Miller, Hornets Player
What’s next
The Hornets will now return home for a brief two-game set, beginning Thursday against the Phoenix Suns before hosting the Indiana Pacers on Friday in the second night of a back-to-back.
The takeaway
Brandon Miller's inspiring message and the Hornets' recent strong play have them in position to secure a spot in the Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament. With a few key games remaining, Charlotte is determined to keep building wins for their city and make a push for the postseason.
