After a 111‑97 loss to the Knicks, the Pistons head to Charlotte hoping to halt a rough start, while the Hornets ride Brandon Miller’s career‑high scoring run.
Key points
- The Pistons aim to correct defensive lapses and improve three‑point shooting after their first loss.
- Brandon Miller’s 39‑point outburst continues a back‑to‑back 30‑point streak, highlighting his growing role in Charlotte’s offense.
- Both teams are navigating injuries, with Detroit rotating its core and Charlotte awaiting returns from Knueppel and White.
The Detroit Pistons suffered their first defeat of the season, falling 111‑97 to the New York Knicks on Tuesday, and will look to answer back on Wednesday when they host the Charlotte Hornets. The loss marked the Pistons’ first back‑to‑back games of the year, with the team being outscored 63‑25 in the second and third quarters.
Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff acknowledged the early‑season stumble, saying, “We’ll play better… It’s early in the year… Defensively we did things that are uncharacteristic of our group.” He also noted the team’s foul trouble, emphasizing that Detroit’s usual physicality should not be penalized.
Detroit seeks a quick response after a 14‑point defeat
Across town, Charlotte’s rookie Brandon Miller posted a career‑high 39 points in a 110‑103 win over the Washington Wizards on Monday. Miller has now topped 30 points in consecutive games, despite shooting only 9‑of‑35 from the floor. “It makes me smile every day… to see other NBA guys put all their trust into me,” Miller said, crediting his teammates for the confidence boost.
Hornets coach Charles Lee praised Miller’s maturity, especially his willingness to seek the ball in clutch moments. Lee added that Miller’s dual‑way performance helps the Hornets become “a really good team.” The Hornets have yet to announce return dates for guards Kon Knueppel and Coby White, both sidelined by injuries.
Miller’s 39‑point night fuels Hornets’ confidence
Detroit’s scoring has rotated through four different players in the first four games, with Paul Reed leading the Knicks game with 22 points on 9‑for‑12 shooting. However, the Pistons struggled from beyond the arc, going 9‑for‑37 on three‑pointers. Coach Bickerstaff stressed that trust remains high across the roster, even as key players such as Cade Cunningham and Duncan Robinson logged limited minutes.
Injury updates: Ausar Thompson returned to the starting lineup on Tuesday after missing Sunday’s game with an ankle issue, while Isaiah Joe sat out due to a hip contusion. The Hornets have not set timelines for Knueppel’s hamstring or White’s calf injuries.
Reader questions
What was Brandon Miller’s scoring performance before the Pistons game?
Miller scored a career‑high 39 points in a 110‑103 win over the Washington Wizards, marking his second consecutive 30‑point game.
Who led the Pistons in scoring during their loss to the Knicks?
Paul Reed led Detroit with 22 points, shooting 9‑for‑12 from the field.
Source: cbssports.com
