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Brandon Miller says nobody is paying attention to LaMelo Ball’s biggest improvement, ‘one thing he worked on…’
Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images

Brandon Miller says nobody is paying attention to LaMelo Ball’s biggest improvement, ‘one thing he worked on…’

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Luca Rosano  |  Last updated Oct 23, 2025 9:05 PM ET

The Charlotte Hornets picked up a victory over the Brooklyn Nets on opening night.

It was a well balanced attack for the Charlotte Hornets who had nine players finish in double figures.

Brandon Miller led all scorers with 25, while LaMelo Ball was right behind him with 20.

The Hornets were a lottery team last season but they have a lot of talent that can see them take a major leap in the East.

Brandon Miller says LaMelo Ball worked on his competitive spirit on the defensive side of the ball

For as talented as Ball is on the offensive side of the ball, his teammate Miller praised his defense.

He said that Ball worked on his competitive spirit on defense.

Ball’s defense has caught flak in the past for his inability to stay engaged on that end of the floor.

“I’ve seen him throw a lot of lobs, but one thing that people don’t talk about is his competitive spirit on the defensive side of the ball. That’s one thing he worked on. He had a great summer.”

The Charlotte Hornets are a team on the rise

The Hornets are expected to be much more improved this season if they can stay healthy.

Ball and Miller are two of the up and coming players in the East and Kon Knueppel was a solid draft pick by the Hornets.

There might be an opportunity for the Hornets to sneak up on teams and get a play-in spot.

If that happens, the Hornets will have a chance to end their nine-year playoff drought.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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