Charlotte Hornets’ Kon Knueppel just rewrote the record books, hitting 100 career three-pointers faster than anyone in NBA history. In just 29 games, this 20-year-old sharpshooter drained his milestone shot, leaving legends in the dust and lighting up Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
When Did This Happen
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The magic happened Monday night in a thrilling 139-132 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Kon Knueppel walked in with 99 threes made across 28 games. With 49.2 seconds left in the first quarter, he splashed his 100th from deep, then kept firing, finishing 5-of-7 from beyond the arc for 20 points total. That’s pure dominance from a No. 4 draft pick out of Duke, averaging 19.4 points and 40.9% on 8.6 three-point attempts per game entering the matchup.
Kon Knueppel shattered Lauri Markkanen‘s old mark of 41 games from 2017-18 by a whopping 12 games. Even Stephen Curry, the all-time three-point king, needed 58 games for his first 100. Closer to home, Knueppel topped Hornets teammate Brandon Miller’s franchise record of 43 games. Now second in the league with 105 threes this season, trailing only Donovan Mitchell, Knueppel leads all rookies in scoring at 19.4 points, plus 5.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists.
A Star From Day 1
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From day one, Kon Knueppel has been on fire. Drafted fourth overall this summer after a Duke season of 18.4 points and monster three-point volume, he debuted with 11 points against Brooklyn. By game 15, he hit 50 threes. Game 17 brought 63, another rookie record. Highlights include 32 points versus Milwaukee, a near triple-double (19-10-9) against the Lakers, and Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for November. His quick release, catch-and-shoot mastery, and footwork make him a nightmare for defences.
Despite the loss, where LaMelo Ball dropped 23 points and nine assists, and Miller added 20, the Hornets (9-20) showed fight with 12 lead changes before halftime. Cleveland’s Mitchell led with 30 points and six threes to snap their skid. Knueppel’s explosion has Charlotte buzzing, sitting 12th in the East but eyeing the play-in just 4.5 games away.
This isn’t a fluke; it’s the start of something special. Kon Knueppel joins the rookie ladder elite, drawing superstar whispers. At this pace, 200 threes? 300? The sky’s the limit. Stay tuned as he chases more history.
Also read: The Greatest NBA Defenders Who Changed The Game
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