The Charlotte Hornets are turning heads this season, making a strong push towards playoff contention, and a big part of their resurgence is thanks to rookie sensation Kon Knueppel. This Rookie of the Year hopeful has been instrumental in the Hornets' climb up the Eastern Conference standings.
Knueppel has been nothing short of spectacular, entering Thursday night's game with a chance to etch his name in NBA history. He came into the matchup against the Indiana Pacers with 201 three-pointers this season, just five shy of tying the rookie record set by the Sacramento Kings' Keegan Murray. Murray's mark of 206 three-pointers in the 2022-23 season was achieved over 80 games, while Knueppel reached 201 in just 58 games.
In a dazzling display, Knueppel nailed his fifth three-pointer of the game by halftime, tying Murray's record. He then sank his sixth with just over a minute left in the third quarter, setting a new rookie benchmark with 207 three-pointers.
By the end of the third quarter, Charlotte had built a commanding 107-82 lead over Indiana. Knueppel contributed 20 points and three rebounds, while Brandon Miller led the scoring with an impressive 33 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
Knueppel's debut season stats are eye-popping: averaging 19.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, while shooting an efficient 48.9 percent from the field, 43.6 percent from beyond the arc, and 89.3 percent from the free-throw line. His performance marks the most efficient season by a rookie scoring over 15 points per game in NBA history.
The Hornets' journey hasn't been without its challenges. They found themselves 11-23 on January 2, 2026, but have since turned the tide, posting a 17-8 record. Now standing at 28-31, after winning seven of their last ten games, they’re in a prime position to secure one of the play-in spots and even have an outside shot at the top six in the Eastern Conference.
Most 3-pointers made by a rookie in a season in NBA history:
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 27, 2026
🔹207 — KON KNUEPPEL (59 GP)
🔸206 — Keegan Murray (80 GP)
Congrats to the Hornets rookie 👏pic.twitter.com/7DaOXTapaP
Currently, the Hornets are a game ahead of the Milwaukee Bucks for the 10th seed and just 4.5 games behind the Philadelphia 76ers for the sixth seed, keeping fans hopeful for a thrilling finish to the season.
Hornets' guard Kon Knueppel has passed Keegan Murray for most 3-pointers in a rookie season.
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) February 27, 2026
1. Kon Knueppel — 207 (59 games)
2. Keegan Murray — 206 (80 games)
3. Donovan Mitchell 187 (79 games) pic.twitter.com/lg7AeKs66A