Key Highlights
- Kon Knueppel broke Keegan Murray’s NBA rookie record for most 3-pointers with his 207th attempt.
- The achievement came in a win against the Indiana Pacers, with Knueppel scoring 28 points and making 8 out of 12 three-point attempts.
- Knueppel is shooting at a high rate of 44.2% from beyond the arc, currently leading all rookies and contributing significantly to the Hornets’ playoff push.
- NBA legend Stephen Curry praised Knueppel’s shooting ability, calling him a “high-level shooter” with a “quick release.”
Knueppel Soars Past Murray in 3-Point Record-Breaking Milestone
The Charlotte Hornets’ Kon Knueppel has done it again, breaking the NBA rookie record for most 3-pointers with his 207th attempt. He did so against the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night.
Knueppel made five out of seven three-point attempts in the first half and then broke the record in the third quarter off an assist from Sion James, a former college teammate at Duke. He finished with 28 points in a 133-109 win, tying his career high with eight three-pointers (on 12 attempts).
While the record-breaking shot was impressive, Knueppel’s shooting consistency is what truly sets him apart.
According to Cleaning the Glass, he has made 93% of his 3s off assists this season, a testament to his role as a catch-and-shoot player in coach Charles Lee’s offense alongside playmaker LaMelo Ball.
“It’s really just about making the right basketball play,” Knueppel said after the win. “My teammates are setting good screens and setting me up in good spots. The coaches as well. I’m just out there looking to make the right play for my team.”
The Humble Rise of a High-Flying Rookie
Knueppel’s journey from Duke’s No. 4 pick to NBA stardom is nothing short of remarkable. It took Keegan Murray 80 games in 2022-23 to establish the record, but Knueppel surpassed it just 59 games into his rookie season.
“It’s what elevates our whole culture when you have a guy that’s that good, but that humble, no ego—it becomes contagious throughout your whole organization,” Hornets coach Charles Lee told CGTN Sports Scene after Knueppel eclipsed the 200-shot mark on Tuesday night.
A Perfect Fit in the NBA
Knueppel’s high shooting percentage has not gone unnoticed, especially by NBA legends like Golden State’s Stephen Curry. “He can obviously shoot the ball at a high level,” Curry said after a recent game against the Hornets. “You can’t really leave him open at all as he has such a quick release and shoots with confidence. And his playmaking is very underrated.”
Curry’s words are echoed by Golden State’s former star, who noted Knueppel’s ability to create advantages for himself in the midrange and small pick-and-roll situations. “It’s going to be interesting with him and Coop for rookie of the year,” Mitchell added.
A Thriving Rookie Amid Long-Suffering Hornets
Knueppel’s success has been a boon to the long-suffering Charlotte Hornets, who have not made the playoffs since 2015-16. His record-breaking performance and high shooting percentage have propelled the team into playoff contention.
“He can obviously shoot the ball at a high level,” Curry added, emphasizing Knueppel’s potential for future stardom in the league. “His game just suits the NBA style, whether it’s fast-paced or a slowed-down possession game.”
