Following back-to-back wins over the Washington Wizards and Chicago Bulls, the Charlotte Hornets enjoyed a well-deserved rest day before heading to Indiana for their showdown with the Pacers.
But even on an off-day, rookie sensation Kon Knueppel found a way to stay in the spotlight. This time, his name echoed across the Atlantic.
In Madrid, during a high-stakes Champions League clash between Benfica and the soccer powerhouse Real Madrid, Knueppel unexpectedly received a nod from the commentary team. As Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde launched a long-range shot that sailed over the crossbar, the commentators drew a playful comparison to Knueppel, noting: "Kon Knueppel, I think. Trying a three-pointer."
Valverde might not have found the net, but he did deliver two assists, helping Madrid secure a 2-1 victory. While Madrid celebrated their win, they couldn't quite match Knueppel's recent scoring feats, as the Group Stage had already wrapped up. Nonetheless, advancing to the Round of 16, scheduled for March 10-11, was a satisfying outcome for the Spanish giants.
Meanwhile, Knueppel and the Hornets are gearing up for their next challenge against the Pacers on Thursday. With the rookie's growing reputation, all eyes will be on how he continues to make an impact.