Charlotte’s Knueppel Shatters NBA Rookie 3-Point Record in Record Time

Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel made NBA history Thursday night, breaking the rookie record for three-pointers in a season with his 207th make against Indiana. The Duke product accomplished the feat in just 59 games, compared to the previous record holder who needed 80 games.

INDIANAPOLIS — Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel etched his name in NBA history Thursday evening, setting a new record for most three-pointers by a first-year player during the team’s matchup with the Indiana Pacers.

The former Duke standout, selected fourth overall in the draft, sank his record-breaking 207th three-pointer of the season, surpassing the previous mark held by Keegan Murray. What makes Knueppel’s achievement even more impressive is the speed at which he accomplished it — needing only 59 games compared to Murray’s 80 games during the 2022-23 campaign.

Knueppel found his rhythm early against Indiana, draining five three-pointers in the opening half before making history in the third quarter. The milestone shot came courtesy of an assist from teammate Sion James, who also played alongside Knueppel at Duke.

Coming into Thursday’s contest, the Milwaukee native was shooting an outstanding 43.6% from long range while pacing the entire league in made three-pointers. For perspective, Stephen Curry of Golden State holds the overall NBA single-season record with 402 three-pointers.

The rookie sensation has emerged as a strong candidate for NBA Rookie of the Year honors, competing against his former Duke teammate and roommate Cooper Flagg, who was selected first overall by the Dallas Mavericks. Knueppel’s stellar play has also helped lift the struggling Hornets into playoff discussions with 22 games remaining in the regular season.

Charlotte hasn’t reached the postseason since the 2015-16 campaign, making their current success even more meaningful for the franchise.

“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 head coach Charles Lee shared with CGTN Sports Scene following Knueppel’s 200th three-pointer earlier this week.

The young sharpshooter has meshed seamlessly with second-year coach Lee’s offensive system, working effectively alongside star point guard LaMelo Ball. Knueppel credits his basketball intelligence and ability to find open areas on the court to his early experience playing in his father’s men’s league in Milwaukee, where he competed against older, taller players starting in eighth grade.

Statistics show that Knueppel excels as a catch-and-shoot specialist, with 93% of his three-point attempts this season coming off passes from teammates, according to Cleaning the Glass data entering Thursday’s game.

His remarkable shooting accuracy has garnered attention from veterans across the league, including Curry himself, who owns the NBA’s career three-point record. During his rookie season with Golden State in 2009-10, Curry connected on 166 three-pointers in 380 attempts over 80 games. By comparison, Knueppel had attempted 461 three-pointers entering Thursday’s contest.

“He can obviously shoot the ball at a high level,” Curry commented after a recent matchup against Charlotte. “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. His game just suits the NBA style, whether it’s fast-paced or a slowed-down possession game.”

Earlier this season, on February 20, Knueppel moved past Donovan Mitchell into third place on the rookie three-pointer list during a loss to Cleveland. Mitchell learned about being surpassed from Cavaliers teammate Tyrese Proctor, another former Duke player who shared the court with Knueppel in college.

“He’s talented,” Mitchell said regarding Knueppel. “For him to be a rookie and be able to go out there and make it look effortless. … We know he can shoot the ball, right? But I think him getting to the mid-range and play develop in the small pick-and-roll that is something I think is really unique about his game is being able to do that and create advantages for himself.”

Mitchell concluded, “It’s going to be interesting with him and Coop for rookie of the year.”