CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Brandon Miller scored a career-high 38 points as the Charlotte Hornets won in overtime to escape a wild comeback from the Detroit Pistons.
The Hornets (6-9) won 123-121 with a slight edge in overtime, thanks largely to scores from Miller. He hit two 3-pointers that effectively put the game away for the Hornets as he scored eight points in the extra period.
Detroit (7-10) trailed by 14 points in the fourth quarter but took the lead in the closing minute. LaMelo Ball scored with 25 seconds to go to force overtime with a 109-109 score.
The Pistons had another chance to force another overtime period with a late free throw missed intentionally. As the ball banged off the rim, a scramble ensued for the ball. Charlotte’s Taj Gibson eventually gained possession as time expired.
Miller led the Hornets with 38 points. Ball scored 35 points and had nine assists. Moussa Diabate had 16 rebounds.
The Pistons were led by Cade Cunningham with 27 points and 10 assists. Tobias Harris scored 26 points.
Charlotte held a 63-59 lead at halftime. The Hornets led by as much as 20 points and led for most of the contest until Detroit’s raucous comeback.
Hornets head coach faced some criticism after Charlotte’s 116-115 loss to the Brooklyn Nets when the dynamic Ball was kept off the court in the closing minutes. Ball played the final eight minutes of regulation in Thursday’s win but was kept on the bench during overtime.
Charlotte’s next game is against the Milwaukee Bucks on the road on Saturday.
