Left in astonishment after watching their rookie star hover around a 30-point scoring average over the previous, rigorous four-game-in-six-day stretch, the Charlotte Hornets’ commentators accurately described Brandon Miller’s ascension to stardom through a six-word phrase: “The world’s starting to find out.” Mere buckets into another soon-to-be historic showcase on February 5, 2024, it quickly became clear that the Los Angeles Lakers were next up on his world tour, of sorts. Hot on Los Angeles’ heels with a 21-point deficit trimmed to eight, Miller balances into his defensive stance, ultimately using his wingspan to intercept Austin Reaves’ post entry pass attempt. With only a footrace to the rim against Rui Hachimura separating him from a breathtaking highlight, the No. 2 selection increases his stride, setting the stage for a jaw-dropping one-handed tomahawk jam to supercharge the home crowd. From double teams and traps to high-profile defensive matchups, Miller’s three-level scoring trumped all challenges during Charlotte’s valiant defeat. By night’s end, the soon-to-be All-Rookie First Teamer had erupted for 33 points (16 during the furious fourth-quarter rally), four rebounds, three assists, four steals, and five 3-pointers, making him the first rookie in franchise history to produce consecutive 30-point games. · Feb 6, 2024