Charlotte Hornets Rookie Shines Before Injury
In a thrilling display of talent, Charlotte Hornets’ rookie Kon Knueppel lit up the court during the first quarter of their game against the Orlando Magic on Friday, contributing 16 points to help propel his team to a 120-105 victory. Known for his sharp shooting and impressive scoring ability, Knueppel, who was the fourth overall pick in the draft, had been averaging an impressive 19.4 points per game this season prior to his injury, showcasing a shooting accuracy of 47.4%. His standout performance caught the attention of many, highlighted by his flawless 4-for-4 from three-point range in the opening quarter.
Injury Update
However, the excitement was short-lived as the 20-year-old guard sustained a right ankle injury late in the first half while contesting a shot near the basket, landing awkwardly on the foot of Magic guard Desmond Bane. Despite his strong start, Knueppel was unable to return to the game following this setback. Post-game, Head Coach Charles Lee informed reporters that initial X-rays indicated no fractures in his ankle, and further evaluations would take place when the team returns to Charlotte, according to the Charlotte Observer.
Record-Breaking Performance
Knueppel’s impressive shooting this season had already made him a notable player; he recently set an NBA record by becoming the fastest player to reach 100 three-pointers, achieving this milestone in just 29 games, surpassing Lauri Markkanen’s previous record of 41 games set during the 2017-18 season. Before his injury, Knueppel had also contributed significantly in other areas, boasting averages of 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.
Team Effort in Victory
Charlotte’s victory against Orlando was a significant team effort, with seven players scoring in double digits. LaMelo Ball led the scoring charge with 22 points, despite a few turnovers, while Collin Sexton returned from a quad injury to add 13 points off the bench. The Hornets, who have been getting better results lately, faced additional challenges as they were without two of their top centers, Ryan Kalkbrenner and Mason Plumlee. However, if Knueppel’s ankle injury sidelines him for an extended period, it could impede Charlotte’s recent upward trajectory in performance.
