Brandon Miller Scores Career-High 39 Points as Hornets Defeat Wizards

Brandon Miller scored a career-high 39 points on Monday night to lead the Charlotte Hornets to a 110-103 victory over the Washington Wizards at home. The win marked the third victory in four games to open the season for head coach Charles Lee's squad, which has managed to navigate early injuries effectively.

The fourth-year guard took control during the middle two quarters, pouring in 27 of his points during that stretch. Miller shot 15-of-28 from the field, including 5-of-10 from three-point range, and added six rebounds, one assist, three steals, and two blocks. This performance represents the 14th time in his career that he has topped the 30-point mark.

In addition to his scoring output, Miller reached a notable career milestone during the game. By hitting his 500th career three-pointer in just his 170th game, he became the second-fastest player in NBA history to reach the mark, trailing only Duncan Robinson, who achieved it in 152 games. Miller accomplished the feat faster than star shooter Stephen Curry, who required 221 games.

The Hornets played shorthanded, missing starters Coby White due to a left calf injury and Kon Knueppel due to a left hamstring injury, alongside top reserve Grant Williams, who is sidelined with a right hamstring issue. Despite these absences, strong contributions from teammates helped secure the win. Naz Reid finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds, Moussa Diabate added 11 points and 17 rebounds—including 11 on the offensive glass—and Grayson Allen contributed 15 points off the bench.

Washington mounted a late comeback attempt in the fourth quarter after trailing 98-84 with 5:15 remaining. The Wizards hit five three-pointers down the stretch to narrow the gap to 103-100 with 1:13 left on the clock. However, Miller responded with a jumper and a free throw to extend Charlotte's lead and secure the outcome.

For the Wizards, Anthony Davis posted 29 points and 10 rebounds, ending his personal win streak against Charlotte that dated back to March 2016. Trae Young added 22 points and Kyshawn George scored 20, while the team played without the top overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft, A.J. Dybantsa, whose debut remains delayed by a sprained left ankle. Wizards forward Justin Champagnie also exited the game in the first quarter with a right foot injury and did not return.

The victory comes shortly after Miller signed a five-year, $209 million contract extension to remain in Charlotte through the 2031-2032 season. Following this home win, the Hornets will travel to Detroit to face the Pistons on Wednesday, while the Wizards visit Cleveland on the same night.