Miller returns with 18 as Hornets’ 13-0 run breaks open win over Bucks

Brandon Miller scored 18 points in his preseason debut, and the Charlotte Hornets used a 13-0 run before halftime to beat the Milwaukee Bucks 105-90 on Sunday at Spectrum Center.

Miller returned after missing Charlotte’s opener against Brooklyn with a shin contusion. He made six of 15 shots, including four three-pointers, and added three rebounds and four assists in 23 minutes. Naz Reid contributed 16 points, while Liam McNeeley and Sion James each scored 11.

Charlotte’s pregame update confirmed Miller’s return and listed Grayson Allen out with right knee soreness and Christian Anderson Jr. out with a left ankle sprain.

The Hornets improved to 1-1 in the preseason. Milwaukee fell to 1-2 despite 18 points and seven rebounds from Tyler Herro, who made six of 13 shots and three of six three-point attempts. Ryan Rollins and Kyle Kuzma each scored 12 for the Bucks.

Milwaukee began with a 10-2 lead, but Charlotte recovered to finish the first quarter ahead 29-26. The Bucks were still within two points late in the second quarter before the Hornets closed the half with 13 unanswered points. James, McNeeley and Royce O’Neale made three-pointers during that stretch, sending Charlotte into the locker room with a 60-45 advantage.

The Hornets maintained that separation after halftime. They outscored Milwaukee 27-22 in the third quarter and began the fourth ahead 87-67. The Bucks won the final period 23-18, which reduced the margin without threatening Charlotte’s lead.

The NBA’s official highlights show how Charlotte built its home win.

Charlotte finished with a 49-34 edge in bench scoring. James made three of four three-point attempts and added five rebounds and four assists. O’Neale scored nine, while rookie Hannes Steinbach supplied eight points and five rebounds in 12 minutes.

The Hornets also turned their work on the glass into extra scoring chances. Moussa Diabate had 11 rebounds, including five offensive boards, to go with eight points and two blocks. Charlotte won the rebounding count 54-48 and scored 24 second-chance points to Milwaukee’s 11, according to the Hornets’ official recap.

Passing helped Charlotte get those contributions from different parts of its rotation. The Hornets assisted on 29 of their 39 made field goals, with McNeeley providing five assists and Miller, James and Dennis Schröder each adding four. Charlotte committed 14 turnovers after having 25 in its preseason opener.

Milwaukee shot 32 of 89 from the field and 15 of 46 from three-point range. Gary Trent Jr. missed all eight of his field-goal attempts, including five threes. Myles Turner finished with five points and five blocks, but also had four turnovers and six fouls in 24 minutes.

The Hornets continue their preseason Wednesday against Boston at TD Garden, with tipoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Eastern. Miller’s first appearance gives Charlotte a completed game to assess alongside its reserve production before that next test.

Sources

Hornets rebound to beat Bucks and notch first preseason win · Hornets105, Bucks90 · ESPN: Bucks-Hornets final box and play log