Kon Knueppel, a standout from Wisconsin Lutheran High School, has etched his name into the NBA record books by setting a new benchmark for most three-pointers in a rookie season. With 209 makes from beyond the arc, Knueppel has surpassed the previous record of 206 set by Keegan Murray in the 2022-23 season. This achievement puts him in the company of some of the league's most prolific shooters, including Stephen Curry and Luka Dončić.
Knueppel, a key player for the Charlotte Hornets, is in a fierce battle for Rookie of the Year with his former college roommate, Cooper Flagg of Dallas. Shooting an impressive 44.2% from three-point range, Knueppel is averaging 19.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. His performance has been pivotal for the Hornets as they eye a potential showdown with the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA play-in tournament.
The Bucks are on a hot streak, winning eight of their last ten games, but they still find themselves outside the top 10 in the Eastern Conference. The Hornets, having won seven of their last ten games, are in a similar position, with the Atlanta Hawks also vying for a play-in spot. The Bucks, Hornets, and Hawks are all tied in the loss column, making every game crucial as the season winds down.
The current standings in the Eastern Conference show the Bucks trailing the Hornets and the Hawks. With Milwaukee needing to surpass at least one of these teams to secure a play-in spot, the race is tighter than ever.
Looking at the Bucks' remaining schedule, they have one of the more favorable paths ahead, with their opponents holding a combined record of .493. This gives Milwaukee a slight edge over their play-in competitors, including Atlanta and Charlotte, who face tougher schedules.
Key matchups for the Bucks include games against Chicago, Atlanta, Orlando, and Miami. These head-to-head battles could determine Milwaukee's fate, especially since they hold the tiebreaker over Charlotte and can secure it against Atlanta with another win.
The Atlanta Hawks, despite trading star Trae Young, are not in a position to tank, given their draft situation. With the rights to New Orleans' first-round pick and a swap with Milwaukee, Atlanta's draft prospects remain strong regardless of their season finish.
The Hawks have been competitive, going 10-6 since late January, with Jalen Johnson leading the charge. Johnson, averaging 23.0 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 7.9 assists, has been instrumental for Atlanta, though a recent hip injury could impact his availability.
As the Bucks aim for a spot in the play-in tournament, they'll need to navigate these challenges and capitalize on their opportunities. With Knueppel's Hornets and Johnson's Hawks in the mix, Milwaukee fans have plenty to watch as the season reaches its climax.