Hornets’ Brandon Miller Exits Early With Shoulder Soreness; Embiid Posts Efficient 20, Kerr Notes Kuminga’s Growth
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The Charlotte Hornets lost forward Brandon Miller to left shoulder soreness during the second quarter of Saturday’s road defeat to the Philadelphia 76ers, while reigning MVP Joel Embiid delivered a sharp offensive outing under a minutes restriction. Out west, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr pointed to Jonathan Kuminga’s improved playmaking as a sign of continued progress.
Hornets
Miller headed straight to the locker room after contesting a jumper by Embiid and did not return. Head coach Charles Lee said he plans to meet with the performance staff for further evaluation. “Any time a guy goes down, you’re always worried about them, and you hope they’re OK,” Lee told reporters.
The 2023 No. 2 overall pick had scored 25 points in Charlotte’s opener but has dealt with injuries before, appearing in only 27 games last season following wrist surgery. He logged four points and one assist in nine minutes before Saturday’s exit.
76ers
Embiid shook off a 1-for-9 shooting night in the season opener by registering 20 points on 7-of-11 from the field in just 20 minutes. “The first game it was more like get in the game slowly,” Embiid said. “Tonight, it was more like, Well, I’ve only got 20 minutes.”
The center acknowledged he is still adapting to head coach Nick Nurse’s minutes limit but favors the current plan of spreading those minutes across typical rotations. “I’d rather not be on a restriction at all,” he added, “but if I am, I like it this way.”
Warriors
Kerr continued to praise Kuminga’s offseason strides, emphasizing better court vision and a positive attitude after the forward’s brief contract standoff. “His passing has improved dramatically,” Kerr noted. “He’s seeing the floor better. I just like the approach, I like the vibe that he’s bringing.”
The coach credited Jimmy Butler, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green for welcoming Kuminga back and helping him refocus on the upcoming season.
Source: Hoops Wire
