Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel created history on Thursday, becoming the NBA’s all-time rookie leader in 3-pointers made in a single season. He hit his 207th three during a 133–109 win over the Indiana Pacers, passing the previous record of 206.
The record-breaking shot came late in the third quarter. Knueppel received a kick-out pass from Sion James — his Duke teammate last season — pump-faked, took one dribble left, stepped behind the line, and calmly sank the historic three.
The Shot That Made NBA History
Before breaking the record, Knueppel tied it late in the first half with a smooth stop-and-pop 3-pointer on a fast break.
He started the game on fire, going 5-for-8 from deep in the first half, including making his first four attempts.
He even got a chance to set the record before halftime, but his contested turnaround jumper bounced off at the buzzer.
The milestone came soon after — and with 22 games still left in the regular season.
Rookie 3-Point Record Comparison
| Player | Rookie Season | 3-Pointers Made | Games Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kon Knueppel | 2025–26 | 207+ | — (22 games left) |
| Keegan Murray | 2022–23 | 206 | 80 |
| Donovan Mitchell | 2017–18 | 187 | 79 |
Knueppel and Murray are the only rookies ever to cross 200 made threes in one season. With many games left, Knueppel may set a record that will stand for years.
Hornets’ Hot Shooting Night
Knueppel finished the game with an excellent performance:
Kon Knueppel’s Game Stats
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Points | 28 |
| FG | 10-for-17 |
| 3-PT | 8-for-12 |
| Impact | Broke NBA rookie 3-point record |
He wasn’t alone — the entire Hornets roster shot lights-out.
Hornets Key Performers
| Player | Points | 3PT | Other Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon Miller | 33 | 6-for-11 | — |
| Kon Knueppel | 28 | 8-for-12 | — |
| LaMelo Ball | 20 | — | 4 REB, 8 AST |
| Moussa Diabate | — | — | 11 REB |
As a team, Charlotte shot 48% from three (22-of-46).
Grant Williams added 9 points, going 3-for-4 from deep.
With the win, the Hornets improved to 29–31, tied for ninth in the Eastern Conference and holding a play-in tournament position.
Coach Charles Lee Praises Knueppel’s Mindset
Hornets head coach Charles Lee highlighted Knueppel’s attitude, calling him talented, humble, and ego-free — traits he says help lift the entire organization.
His work ethic and team-first approach have quickly made him a key part of Charlotte’s young core.
Pacers’ Effort
Indiana had bright spots despite the loss:
Pacers Top Performers
| Player | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew Nembhard | 20 | Team-high |
| Micah Potter | 19 | Bench spark |
| Jarace Walker | 16 | Consistent scoring |
The Pacers fell to 15–44, last in the East.
Knueppel entered the game shooting 43.6% from three on 461 attempts — already one of the best percentages in the league. After Thursday’s game, his long-range accuracy improved to 44.2%, ranking sixth in the NBA.
Selected fourth overall out of Duke, Knueppel would likely be a Rookie of the Year favorite if not for former teammate Cooper Flagg, this year’s No. 1 pick.
Still, Knueppel, Ball, and Miller form a strong young trio that could carry Charlotte to the playoffs — and build something even bigger in the future.
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