Historic Performance by Kon Knueppel
In a thrilling matchup on February 20, 2026, at Charlotte’s Spectrum Center, Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets not only showcased his shooting prowess but also etched his name in NBA history. The former Duke standout surpassed Donovan Mitchell by making his 185th three-pointer of the season, a milestone that now places him second for the most threes scored by a rookie in a single NBA season. Interestingly, the shot that surpassed Mitchell was made right over him, an emblematic moment in Knueppel’s budding career.
Challenging the Record
Keegan Murray currently holds the record with 206 three-pointers set in 2023, and Knueppel appears poised to challenge this mark. With 25 games remaining in the regular season, he is averaging 3.4 threes per game. If he maintains his current pace, he could potentially reach an extraordinary total of 272 or 273 three-pointers by season’s end.
Impressive Averages and Historical Context
His overall performance has also been impressive, with averages of 18.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game while hitting 43.2% from beyond the arc. Notably, only two players in NBA history, Larry Bird and Paul Pierce, have matched or exceeded 15 points and five rebounds per game while shooting over 40% from deep, placing Knueppel in an exclusive category despite being a rookie.
Team Dynamics and Future Prospects
Knueppel’s style of play has not only garnered individual accolades but has also won the admiration of Hornets head coach Charles Lee. Hornets fans have celebrated his stellar performances, including a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers where he scored 33 points and hit seven three-pointers. However, the Hornets have faced challenges as they dealt with the absence of two starters during some games, impacting their overall team performance. Nevertheless, Knueppel’s relentless efforts continue to defy expectations and signify a bright future for both him and the Charlotte Hornets as they navigate the latter part of the season.
