Kon Knueppel put on a show in the Charlotte Hornets' matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night, making a strong case for Rookie of the Year.
Halfway through his rookie season, Knueppel has emerged as one of the standout performers from the 2025 draft class. His latest display against Cleveland was nothing short of spectacular.
Kon Knueppel in the Hornets' loss tonight to the Cavs 🐝
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 21, 2026
33 points 11-of-20 FG
6 rebounds 7-of-15 3PT
0 turnovers pic.twitter.com/hhvqBDhVu3
In 37 minutes, he racked up 33 points, grabbed six rebounds, dished out two assists, and snagged a steal. Knueppel was efficient, shooting 11-of-20 from the field, including an impressive 7-of-15 from beyond the arc, and nearly perfect from the free-throw line at 4-of-5.
Fans were quick to react, buzzing with excitement over the rookie's prowess:
“Kon Knueppel kid gonna be a problem. a very good one 💫,” a fan tweeted, capturing the sentiment of many.
Another fan highlighted, “That’s a BIG night for Kon Knueppel 🔥33 points on 11/20 shooting and 7/15 from three is elite efficiency - especially in 37 minutes. That kind of perimeter shooting shows confidence and serious shot-making ability.”
One fan noted the significance of Knueppel's performance alongside Donovan Mitchell's 32-point night, saying, “Kon Knueppel dropping 33 points with 7 of 15 from three on the same night Donovan Mitchell goes for 32 is the Cavs showing they have multiple ways to beat you. Knueppel is not a rookie anymore, he is a weapon.”
Despite Knueppel's heroics, the Hornets fell short, losing 118-113 to the Cavaliers. The game saw five Hornets players scoring in double digits, with LaMelo Ball contributing 18 points and six assists, Brandon Miller adding 18 points and four assists, Ryan Kalkbrenner posting a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds, and Josh Green chipping in 11 points and two assists.
The loss dropped Charlotte to a 26-31 record, placing them 10th in the Eastern Conference. They sit above the Milwaukee Bucks and the Chicago Bulls, while trailing the Atlanta Hawks and the Miami Heat.
Looking ahead, the Hornets aim to rebound in their next game on the road against the Washington Wizards, with tip-off set for Feb. 22 at 6 p.m. ET.