Kon Knueppel credits his teammates for helping him get the historic three-point record
Knueppel Rewrites Rookie History from Deep, Deflects Praise to Hornets Unit
Charlotte Hornets rookie sensation Kon Knueppel has officially etched his name into the NBA record books, yet in typical fashion, he refused to take the spotlight alone. During Thursday night’s dominant 133-109 victory over the Indiana Pacers, Knueppel drained his 207th three-pointer of the season, shattering the rookie record previously held by Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray.
The historic moment arrived early in the third quarter. Fittingly, the assist came from Sion James, Knueppel’s former Duke teammate and current Hornets reserve, highlighting the chemistry that has defined Charlotte's surprising playoff push. Knueppel finished the night with 28 points on an efficient 8-of-12 shooting from deep, extending his season total to 209. Despite the individual accolade, he remained focused on the collective effort rather than his personal stat line.
"It’s really just about making the right basketball play," Knueppel told reporters postgame. "My teammates are setting good screens and setting me up in good spots. The coaches as well. I’m just out there looking to make the right play for my team."
The speed at which Knueppel dismantled the record is perhaps more impressive than the volume itself. Murray set the previous benchmark of 206 triples over 80 games during the 2022-23 season. Knueppel eclipsed that mark in just 59 games, shooting a blistering 44.2% from beyond the arc. His synergy with All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball has been lethal; Ball’s elite court vision has consistently generated wide-open looks for the rookie sharpshooter, creating a difficult dilemma for opposing defenses. Head coach Charles Lee praised the rookie's humility, noting that his lack of ego "becomes contagious throughout the whole organization."
This achievement adds fuel to an already scorching Rookie of the Year race. While Cooper Flagg continues to dazzle for the Dallas Mavericks, Knueppel’s historic efficiency and impact on winning—helping propel Charlotte toward their first postseason berth since 2016—make a compelling case. For now, Knueppel seems content to keep firing away, trusting the system and the teammates that helped him shoot his way into history.
Charlotte Hornets rookie sensation Kon Knueppel has officially etched his name into the NBA record books, yet in typical fashion, he refused to take the spotlight alone. During Thursday night’s dominant 133-109 victory over the Indiana Pacers, Knueppel drained his 207th three-pointer of the season, shattering the rookie record previously held by Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray.
The historic moment arrived early in the third quarter. Fittingly, the assist came from Sion James, Knueppel’s former Duke teammate and current Hornets reserve, highlighting the chemistry that has defined Charlotte's surprising playoff push. Knueppel finished the night with 28 points on an efficient 8-of-12 shooting from deep, extending his season total to 209. Despite the individual accolade, he remained focused on the collective effort rather than his personal stat line.
"It’s really just about making the right basketball play," Knueppel told reporters postgame. "My teammates are setting good screens and setting me up in good spots. The coaches as well. I’m just out there looking to make the right play for my team."
The speed at which Knueppel dismantled the record is perhaps more impressive than the volume itself. Murray set the previous benchmark of 206 triples over 80 games during the 2022-23 season. Knueppel eclipsed that mark in just 59 games, shooting a blistering 44.2% from beyond the arc. His synergy with All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball has been lethal; Ball’s elite court vision has consistently generated wide-open looks for the rookie sharpshooter, creating a difficult dilemma for opposing defenses. Head coach Charles Lee praised the rookie's humility, noting that his lack of ego "becomes contagious throughout the whole organization."
This achievement adds fuel to an already scorching Rookie of the Year race. While Cooper Flagg continues to dazzle for the Dallas Mavericks, Knueppel’s historic efficiency and impact on winning—helping propel Charlotte toward their first postseason berth since 2016—make a compelling case. For now, Knueppel seems content to keep firing away, trusting the system and the teammates that helped him shoot his way into history.
