Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel set a new NBA record on Monday night, becoming the fastest player in league history to reach 100 made three-pointers in just 29 games. His milestone came in a 139-132 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he scored 20 points and shot efficiently from beyond the arc, cementing his status as one of the league’s most promising young shooters.
Knueppel entered the game with 99 three-pointers and hit his 100th late in the first quarter off an assist from Sion James, finishing the night 5-of-7 from distance. The achievement shattered the previous record held by Lauri Markkanen, who needed 41 games to reach the mark during the 2017-18 season, putting Knueppel a full 12 games ahead. Notably, all-time three-point leader Stephen Curry took 58 games to hit his first 100, highlighting the rarity of Knueppel’s rapid ascent. This record underscores his exceptional shooting prowess and early impact in the NBA.
The 20-year-old guard, selected with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft out of Duke University, has been a standout performer for the Hornets this season. Prior to the game, he was averaging 19.4 points per game while shooting 40.9% from three-point range on 8.6 attempts per contest, leading all rookies in scoring. His consistent output has made him a key offensive weapon for Charlotte, despite the team’s struggles with a 9-20 record. Knueppel’s ability to stretch the floor and create scoring opportunities has been a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season.
Hornets coach Charles Lee praised Knueppel’s shooting mechanics, attributing his success to a strong foundation developed through his upbringing and college training. “I think it’s, No. 1, just his natural ability to shoot the ball,” Lee told The Charlotte Observer. “He’s got a phenomenal base to him. His early shot prep is good, mechanics to finish [with] the consistency of his shot. His mechanics are really good, so credit to dad and mom and [Duke] coach [Jon] Scheyer and all the people that helped build up just his overall shooting technique.” This technical proficiency has allowed Knueppel to adapt quickly to the NBA’s pace and physicality.
In the game itself, the Hornets fought hard against the Cavaliers, with 12 lead changes and 10 ties before halftime, but ultimately fell short. Cleveland was led by Donovan Mitchell’s 30 points and six three-pointers, while Darius Garland and De’Andre Hunter added significant contributions off the bench. For Charlotte, LaMelo Ball tallied 23 points and nine assists, and fellow rookie Brandon Miller scored 20 points, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win. The loss marked the Hornets’ second straight defeat, highlighting ongoing defensive challenges.
Knueppel’s record also breaks the Hornets’ franchise mark for fastest to 100 three-pointers, previously held by Brandon Miller, who achieved it in 43 games during his rookie season. With 104 made threes so far this year, Knueppel ranks second in the league behind only Mitchell, demonstrating his elite shooting volume and accuracy. This performance has sparked discussions about his potential to become a cornerstone for the rebuilding Hornets, with some analysts already viewing him as a future face of the franchise.
Looking ahead, Knueppel’s record-setting pace raises expectations for his rookie campaign and beyond. As the NBA season progresses, he will likely continue to be a focal point in Charlotte’s offense, with opportunities to further refine his game and contribute to team improvements. His early success bodes well for his development, and if he maintains this level of play, he could be a strong contender for Rookie of the Year honors. The Hornets will need his scoring punch as they navigate a competitive Eastern Conference.
In summary, Kon Knueppel’s historic achievement not only sets a new benchmark for three-point shooting in the NBA but also signals the arrival of a dynamic talent capable of reshaping Charlotte’s future. While the team’s current record remains a concern, Knueppel’s individual brilliance offers hope and excitement for fans and analysts alike. As he continues to grow, his ability to balance scoring with team success will be crucial in determining the Hornets’ trajectory in the coming seasons.
