Why Hornets’ Brandon Miller believes loss to Magic is a ‘good learning experience’

Brandon Miller was optimistic about the Charlotte Hornets’ future ceiling despite their season-ending loss to the Orlando Magic in the play-in tournament on Friday night.

Miller completed the third season of his NBA career with the Hornets. He has made his way up the ranks as one of the most promising young stars in the league, providing solid contributions that have helped Charlotte return to playoff contention.

Charlotte was one win away from locking up the eighth seed in the East playoffs. However, Orlando firmly stopped them in their tracks, torching them by a 130-91 score. Miller didn’t lose confidence after the game, describing the defeat as an important experience for Charlotte to regroup and come back stronger.

“This is a good learning experience. We will be ready for next year…The thing I’m most proud of about this team is just the heart and the fight that we showed every night. We put ourselves in a great position this year.”

Brandon Miller: "This is a good learning experience. We will be ready for next year."

"The thing I'm most proud of about this team is just the heart and the fight that we showed every night. We put ourselves in a great position this year." pic.twitter.com/XNbU2TrUWA

— r/CharlotteHornets (@HornetsReddit) April 18, 2026

How Brandon Miller, Hornets played against Magic

Brandon Miller and the Hornets enjoyed a solid regular season that has seen them earn back some relevance. Despite the blowout loss to the Magic, they can look forward to bigger aspirations for next season and beyond with their remarkable young core of talent.

Four players scored in double-digits for Charlotte in the loss, including Miller. LaMelo Ball led the team with a stat line of 23 points, five assists and two rebounds. He shot 7-of-17 from the field, including 3-of-8 from three, and 6-of-6 from the free-throw line. Miles Bridges came next with 15 points and two rebounds, Miller provided 14 points and three rebounds, while Kon Knueppel provided 11 points and three rebounds.

Charlotte ended the regular season with a 44-38 record, finishing at ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings. They are above the Miami Heat and the Milwaukee Bucks while being under the Magic and the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Hornets will continue retooling through the draft and free agency. They seek to make their first playoffs since 2016, last losing to Miami in a seven-game first round series.

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