Charlotte Hornets forward Kon Knueppel broke the NBA record for most 3-pointers made by a rookie in a single season, making his 207th on Thursday.
He set the record late in the third quarter of a 133-109 win over the Indiana Pacers, taking a kickout pass from Sion James (also his college teammate at Duke last season). Knueppel then pump-faked Kam Jones and took a dribble to the left before stepping behind the line and drilling the historic shot.
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The previous mark for most 3s hit by a rookie was by the Sacramento Kings’ Keegan Murray, set during the 2022-23 season when he knocked down 206.
Knueppel tied Murray’s record late in the first half, stopping at the arc during a fast break to nail his fifth 3 of the game. He went 5-for-8 on 3-pointers in the first half, making his first four attempts.
The rookie star had an opportunity to break the record before halftime, but missed a contested turnaround from the wing at the buzzer.
Knueppel set the rookie 3-point mark with 22 games remaining in the regular season. Already three ahead of Murray (who played in 80 games as a rookie), he will likely put the record far out of reach. Both players are the only rookies to make 200 or more 3-pointers in a single season, topping the 187 Donovan Mitchell hit during the 2017-18 season.
Knueppel finished with 28 points in win, shooting 8-of-12 on 3-pointers and 10-for-17 from the floor. Brandon Miller led Charlotte with 33 points, making 6-of-11 3-point shots. LaMelo Ball added 20 with 4 rebounds and 8 assists. Moussa Diabate grabbed 11 boards.
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The entire Hornets team may have been inspired by Knueppel, shooting 48% (22-of-46) as a team from behind the arc. Grant Williams went 3-of-4 on his 3-point attempts, finishing with 9 points as Charlotte improved its record to 29-31. That currently puts them tied for the Eastern Conference’s ninth spot and in position for a play-in tournament berth.
“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 said to CGTN Sports Scene, via the Associated Press.
Indiana was led by Andrew Nembhard’s 20 points, followed by 19 off the bench from Micah Potter and 16 points from Jarace Walker. The Pacers dropped to 15-44, last in the East.
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As could be expected for a rookie who’s made over 200 3-pointers, Knueppel has made a high percentage of his long-range attempts shooting at volume. He came into Thursday’s game making 43.6% of his 461 3-point shots and is now at 44.2% (sixth in the NBA).
Selected fourth overall out of Duke, Knueppel would probably be in line for the NBA Rookie of the Year award if not for former college teammate and fellow rookie Cooper Flagg, picked No. 1 by the Dallas Mavericks. However, he, Ball and Miller form a young core that could have the Hornets in the playoffs this season and likely more to come in the future.
