Kevin Durant delivered a midrange performance that showcased his scoring prowess during the Charlotte Hornets’ 105-101 loss to the Houston Rockets on Thursday. His impressive effort included 35 points, with nearly half of his scoring coming from the midrange. Durant was particularly effective, hitting 8-of-10 shots from that range, including a crucial 17-foot jumper that put the Rockets ahead 103-98 with just 21 seconds remaining. His ability to consistently find his shooting spots proved too much for the Hornets’ defense, which struggled to contain him.
In contrast, Hornets rookie Brandon Miller had a challenging night. With his shooting percentage hovering below 40% for the season, Thursday’s game was particularly rough, as he finished with a dismal 5-of-22 shooting and made only one out of twelve attempts from beyond the arc. Despite being encouraged last summer to incorporate midrange shots into his game, Miller only took one midrange attempt against the Rockets and missed it.
The Hornets have focused their strategy under coach Charles Lee on 3-pointers and shots in the paint, limiting Miller’s opportunities from midrange. However, many observers view expanding his shooting repertoire as crucial for his development. Given his physical attributes and skill set, there is potential for him to improve in this area. Adding a reliable midrange shot to his game could help him maintain scoring effectiveness even when his outside shot is off and when teams defend the paint aggressively.
While Miller might never reach Durant’s elite midrange capabilities, honing his shooting skills could transform him into a more versatile offensive threat for the Hornets. The team will be watching closely to see how he adapts and develops as the season unfolds.