Grayson Allen returned to North Carolina with a perfect 3-for-3 shooting night, a rare feat for a player stepping onto his old home court. The Hornets guard entered the game as a starter and immediately lit up the scoreboard against the Brooklyn Nets. He scored 13 points in just 14 minutes of action, showing he has not lost his touch since leaving Duke. This sharp shooting performance came during a preseason loss, yet the numbers stand out for any fan watching the young squad.
The return to the state was emotional for the former NCAA champion, who spent four years building his reputation at Duke. Allen impressed the crowd with his efficiency from beyond the arc. He made every single three-point attempt he took, a level of consistency that fans crave to see from their guards. The perfect shooting night served as a bright spot in a game where the team ultimately fell short of the win.
Due to a hamstring injury, Kon Knueppel could not play, so Allen stepped into the starting lineup. The coach needed someone reliable to run the offense while other key players like Coby White sat on the sidelines. Allen filled that role with ease, proving he can handle the pressure of a starting role even in the preseason. His ability to step up when teammates are out shows the depth the Hornets are building for the regular season.
Another Duke alum, Sion James, also showed signs of growth in this matchup against the Nets. He tallied eight points on 50% shooting from three-point range while grabbing four rebounds in 17 minutes of play. His improved skills suggest the backcourt is developing a strong rhythm despite the roster changes this year.
The Hornets now face a tough test as they prepare to play the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday, Oct. 11. The team sits at 0-1 after the loss to Brooklyn, but the offensive spark from Allen and James offers hope for the future. Fans will be eager to see if this shooting display continues when the regular season tips off against a much tougher opponent. The young roster has work to do, but the potential is clearly visible on the court.
This return to North Carolina marked the first time Allen played for a state team since his college days ended. The perfect shooting night was a strong message to the league that he is ready for the main event. While the preseason results do not count in the standings, the confidence gained from such a performance will carry over into the real games. The Hornets have a lot to prove, but Allen just gave them a reason to feel good about their offense.
Stats Box: – Grayson Allen Points: 13 – Three-Pointers Made: 3 – Three-Pointers Attempted: 3 – Minutes Played: 14 – Sion James Points: 8 – Sion James Rebounds: 4
