The Charlotte Hornets grabbed an important win, tightening the playoff races, and Kon Knueppel has taken all the limelight for his historical feat. He became the youngest player in NBA history to reach 250 3-pointers in a season, leaving the NBA world rallying behind him.
NBA World Reacts to Kon Knueppel’s Historic Achievement vs. Knicks
Knueppel, who was drafted fourth overall in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Hornets, quickly emerged as the most prolific rookie and made his case for the NBA Rookie of the Year award, with Cooper Flagg also in contention. Coming into Thursday’s game, he had appeared in 71 games, averaging 19.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, shooting 87% from the free-throw line, 43.6% from the 3-point line, and 48.7% from the field.
The 20-year-old notched 26 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, and a phenomenal 6 3-pointers, helping his team to victory, 114-103. It was also the Duke alum’s first game with at least 25 points and 10 rebounds.
The NBA world couldn’t help but acknowledge that Knueppel has an inarguable chance for the highest rookie honor in the NBA. Analyst page Fadeaway World, @FadeawayWorld, said: “Rookie of the Year.”
Rookie of the Year 🔥https://t.co/IWn3YdldZP
— Fadeaway World (@FadeawayWorld) March 27, 2026
Hornets Muse, @MuseHornets_, praised the Charlotte Hornets for their successful form and listed the stats of the standout 20-year-old: “First career 25 and 10 for Kon Knueppel. Hornets are rolling.”
First career 25 and 10 for Kon Knueppel.
Hornets are rolling. pic.twitter.com/WTcQrQ434P
— Hornets Muse (@MuseHornets_) March 27, 2026
@NBA also noted how Knueppel has become one of the most promising rookies with a historical feat: “6 more 3’s for Kon Knueppel in tonight’s win. He’s up to 253 3PM this season, extending his rookie record while becoming the youngest player in NBA history to hit 250!”
6 more 3’s for Kon Knueppel in tonight’s win 🎯
He’s up to 253 3PM this season, extending his rookie record while becoming the youngest player in NBA history to hit 250! pic.twitter.com/2OevNyx1Zy
— NBA (@NBA) March 27, 2026
The Hoop Central, @TheHoopCentral, joined forces and captioned: “Kon Knueppel is now the only player in NBA History, age 22 or younger, to record 250 3PM in a season, per @HornetsPR. SPECIAL.”
Kon Knueppel is now the only player in NBA History, age 22 or younger, to record 250 3PM in a season, per @HornetsPR.
SPECIAL. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/a38DuOAjli
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 27, 2026
Analyst page Point Made Basketball, @pointmadebball, highlighted what a perfectionist Knueppel is, explaining that each of his 3-pointers reflected his current form: “The little fundamental, Kon Knueppel, does every little thing perfectly. The balance his jumper is always perfect regardless of the platform, and he excels at squaring his shoulders and getting his shot off quickly without jeopardizing his form.”
The little fundamental, Kon Knueppel, does every little thing perfectly
The balance his jumper is always perfect regardless of the platform, and he excels at squaring his shoulders and getting his shot off quickly without jeopardizing his form pic.twitter.com/qxfmF5wa3t— Point Made Basketball (@pointmadebball) March 27, 2026
The Hornets are riding a 5-game win streak, and the recent victory over the Knicks had a lot to do with Knueppel. But LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller were also integral players on Thursday night. They’re now sitting in a three-way tie with the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat, as all three teams have the same overall record.
Charlotte started the season in a significant low and looked like a team to rebuild. Miller was out for 13 of the first 15 games with a dislocated shoulder. The Hornets rode a losing streak, and even Ball dealt with early-season injuries.
