Unexpectedly entering the starting lineup after a shin injury to Brandon Miller, former UConn forward Liam McNeeley led the Charlotte Hornets in scoring during their first preseason matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. The former No. 29 overall pick scored 14 points and tallied one rebound while shooting 4-for-6 from beyond the arc and 5-for-8 from the field.
However, following the game, McNeeley was quick to praise his new teammates, veterans Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale, who play the same position. "They’re just so consistent every day in practice. Like they’re always trying to win at practice when we play. They have winning habits. Everything they do is about winning, so it’s great to watch them at practice, and luckily for me today, (I)
get to watch them at the game do what they do.”
While O'Neale was held to just three points, he made his presence felt in other areas, recording five assists, two rebounds, one steal and two blocks. As for Allen, he was as efficient as usual, posting 13 points in 14 minutes, converting on all three of his 3-point attempts.
McNeeley, O'Neale, and Allen will return to the court once more Sunday as the Hornets host the Milwaukee Bucks for their second of four preseason matchups.
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This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Hornets forward Liam McNeeley praises new teammates after preseason opener
