After a disappointing start to the season, the Charlotte Hornets are finally showing what they’re capable of when healthy, and the rest of the NBA is starting to notice. Charlotte secured a thrilling win over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night, pushing its winning streak to five games for the first time this season.
While Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg delivered a historic performance, Hornets sharpshooter Kon Knueppel made a strong impression of his own and made it clear afterward that this surge isn’t a fluke.
Kon Knueppel Issues Warning As Hornets Find Their Rhythm
With LaMelo Ball coming to life, Knueppel continuing his scoring surge, and Brandon Miller finding rhythm, the Hornets are starting to look threatening. They first announced themselves with a win over defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder and have picked up the pace since, now 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 21-28 record.
Knueppel, who scored 34 points against the Mavericks, was asked about Charlotte’s turnaround postgame and warned that they are gonna stay “hot” like they are.
Kon:
“We just got a spirit about us right now. It kind of starts when you go on the road and beat OKC. The best team in the league gives you some confidence. We’re a good basketball team and so we’re starting to really believe that about ourselves and coming out and hunting… pic.twitter.com/vPviusTuZD
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) January 30, 2026
“We just got a spirit about us right now,” the 20-year-old said. “It kind of starts when you go on the road and beat OKC. The best team in the league gives you some confidence. We’re a good basketball team and so we’re starting to really believe that about ourselves and coming out and hunting every night. We’re getting hot and I think we’re gonna stay hot.”
The Hornets haven’t reached the playoffs since the 2015–16 season, but with their recent surge, a Play-In spot remains within reach. Even NBA legend Charles Barkley has publicly guaranteed a postseason berth for Charlotte if this momentum holds.
Meanwhile, Knueppel, who was selected fourth overall by the Hornets in the 2025 NBA Draft, is drawing comparisons to Stephen Curry. Through 48 games, Knueppel is shooting 42.9% from beyond the arc. Curry shot 43.7% from 3-point range during his rookie campaign with Golden State.
Knueppel entered the NBA after a standout collegiate career at Duke, where he emerged as one of the top shooters in college basketball and played a key role in leading the Blue Devils to a Final Four appearance.
That shooting has translated immediately to the NBA level, as Knueppel has already made 161 3-pointers and is on pace to surpass the NBA rookie record of 206. With roughly half the season remaining, the mark appears well within reach if he maintains his health and shooting consistency.
Knueppel is averaging 18.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game while playing 31.9 minutes per night. He is shooting 48.6% from the field and continues to rank among the league’s most efficient perimeter scorers.
With Ball and Miller also playing at a high level, the Hornets appear poised for a strong push toward the postseason, provided they can stay healthy. Charlotte will look to keep its momentum rolling as it hosts the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday.
