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Brandon Miller breaking out in NBA Summer League, throws down dunk

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•07/11/23•

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Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Miller was the No. 2 overall pick to the Charlotte Hornets but got off to a rough start in the Summer League. He had just 24 points through two games with nine turnovers and 13 fouls. Not how the Alabama product envisioned his time in Las Vegas going.

Things changed in game No. 3, with Charlotte taking on the Portland Trailblazers. Midway through the third quarter, Miller threw down a ferocious dunk, possibly letting out some frustrations. Miller picked up the ball on the left wing before taking two dribbles with his left hand and throwing it down with his right.

A business decision was made by the Portland defender as well, wanting to get out of the way.

Miller has also passed the 20-point mark and is set to nearly double his total at the Summer League. You would have to imagine some pressure has been taken off Miller’s shoulders with this performance. Something everybody in the Hornets’ organization wanted to see.

You can check out the dunk from Tuesday night here.

Tuesday’s performance is more of the Miller we were used to seeing at Alabama. He was the SEC Player of the Year despite being a true freshman, leading the Crimson Tide to the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. Miller’s scoring really stood out and it’s now showing out in the Summer League.

Charlotte will have one more Summer League game while in Las Vegas, facing off against the Pelicans on Thursday. Another great performance would give not just Miller, but everyone involved with the Hornets confidence heading into the 2023-2024 season.

Brandon Miller just misses out on matchup with Scoot Henderson

When the Summer League schedule came out, many thought Miller would be facing off against Scoot Henderson. No matter which guy Charlotte had taken at No. 2, the other was expected to be picked by Portland at No. 3. A Summer League matchup between two of the top-three picks would have been something to dream about.

Unfortunately, Henderson suffered an injury during his first game in Las Vegas. He was ruled out of the game with a shoulder strain and rightfully so. Portland will want to be careful with the health they just selected.

Now, we will have to wait until the regular season to see Miller and Henderson share the court. But when it happens, it will be a must-watch for NBA fans.