Kon Knueppel isn’t just finding his footing in the NBA-he’s already stepping into some elite company. On Thursday night, the Charlotte Hornets rookie delivered a performance that landed him alongside Stephen Curry and Jason Kidd in the history books.
That’s not hyperbole. That’s StatMuse-confirmed reality.
Knueppel dropped 28 points, dished out seven assists, grabbed five boards, and picked off three steals in 35 minutes of action against the Atlanta Hawks. He was lights out from deep, going 6-of-12 from three and 10-of-17 overall from the field, while knocking down both of his free throws. That stat line might read like a veteran’s best night, but for Knueppel, it’s just the latest chapter in what’s becoming a standout rookie campaign.
Only two other rookies in NBA history have ever posted those exact numbers in a single game: Stephen Curry and Jason Kidd. That’s the kind of company that turns heads, and Knueppel’s doing it while helping the Hornets stack wins.
Kon Knueppel vs Hawks:
— StatMuse (@statmuse) December 19, 2025
28 PTS
5 REB
7 AST
3 STL
6 3P
Joins Steph and Kidd as the only rookies in NBA history to reach those numbers in a game. pic.twitter.com/BxjoFnDkRL
Charlotte walked away with a 133-126 victory over Atlanta, and Knueppel’s fingerprints were all over it. The Hornets came out hot, putting up 80 points in the first half and holding an 11-point lead at the break. The Hawks made their push in the second half, but every time they threatened to close the gap, Charlotte answered with timely buckets and defensive stops.
The difference in this one? Perimeter shooting, ball movement, and defensive activity.
The Hornets absolutely owned those categories. They hit 24 threes-more than double Atlanta’s 11-shared the ball for 39 assists, and racked up 14 combined steals and blocks (known around league circles as “stocks”).
The Hawks, by comparison, managed just eight stocks and 31 assists.
Knueppel wasn’t the only one cooking. LaMelo Ball matched his rookie teammate with 28 points of his own, adding 13 assists, four rebounds, and a steal.
He was surgical from long range, hitting 8-of-11 threes and 10-of-16 overall. Brandon Miller chipped in 26 points and seven dimes, Miles Bridges added 16 points, and Tidjane Salaun provided a spark with 10 points off the bench.
It was a complete team win, and it pushes Charlotte to 9-18 on the season. That’s good for 12th in the Eastern Conference-not where they want to be long-term, but a step in the right direction. They’re now 1.5 games up on the Nets, three ahead of the Pacers, and within striking distance of the Bulls and Bucks.
Next up, the Hornets hit the road to take on the Detroit Pistons on Dec. 20. If Knueppel keeps playing like this, and the team keeps moving the ball and knocking down shots the way they did Thursday night, Charlotte might just be turning a corner.