NBA Notes: Hornets, Brandon Miller, 76ers, Joel Embiid, Warriors

Hornets

Brandon Miller left early in the second quarter of the Hornets’ road loss to the 76ers with what the team called left shoulder soreness, per Tim Bontemps of ESPN.

The second-year forward walked straight to the locker room after a jumper by Joel Embiid and didn’t return.

“I look forward to meeting up with the performance staff and finding out more,” coach Charles Lee told reporters. “Any time a guy goes down, you’re always worried about them, and you hope they’re OK.”

Miller, the No. 2 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, scored 25 points in Charlotte’s opener, but has dealt with injuries before. He played just 27 games last season after wrist surgery.

He finished Saturday’s game with four points and one assist in nine minutes before exiting.

76ers

Joel Embiid looked more like himself Saturday, scoring 20 points on 7-of-11 shooting in just 20 minutes. It was a bounce-back showing after a rough 1-for-9 effort on opening night in Boston.

“The first game it was more like get in the game slowly,” Embiid said, via Bontemps. “Tonight, it was more like, ‘Well, I’ve only got 20 minutes.’”

The reigning MVP admitted he’s still adjusting to a minutes restriction but prefers Nick Nurse’s current approach of spreading the minutes across normal rotations.

“I’d rather not be on a restriction at all,” he said, “but if I am, I like it this way.”

Warriors

Steve Kerr continues to be impressed with Jonathan Kuminga’s growth, both as a passer and as a teammate, after his offseason contract standoff.

“His passing has improved dramatically,” Kerr said, via Jordan Elliott of NBC Bay Area. “He’s seeing the floor better. I just like the approach, I like the vibe that he’s bringing. He’s confident, and he definitely feels like part of what we’re trying to do.”

Kerr credited Jimmy Butler, Steph Curry, and Draymond Green for welcoming Kuminga back “with open arms” and helping him reset his focus.