Breaking: Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel hits 100th three-pointer fastest in NBA, but Cavaliers prevail
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Charlotte’s Kon Knueppel, a rookie guard, set a record by reaching 100 made triples in the fewest games in league history, accomplishing the feat in 29 appearances. He did so during a 139-132 loss to Cleveland at Rocket Arena.
Knueppel connected on five of nine attempts from beyond the arc and finished with 20 points, moving the bar to a landmark moment for rookies chasing the modern NBA’s three-point standard. The performance came as charlotte’s other young talents contributed, with LaMelo Ball pouring in 23 points and Brandon Miller adding 20.
For the Cavaliers, Donovan Mitchell led the scoring with 30 points. De’Andre hunter and Darius Garland added 27 points each,Garland also dishing out 10 assists as Cleveland climbed in conference positioning.
Heading into the game, Cleveland sat seventh in the eastern Conference standings, while Charlotte occupied the 12th spot, underscoring the mismatch between a veteran-led contender and a rebuilding Hornets squad.
Key facts at a glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Record set | Fastest to 100 career three-pointers in NBA history |
| Player | Kon Knueppel, Charlotte Hornets rookie |
| Games to milestone | 29 games |
| final score | Charlotte 132, Cleveland 139 |
| Venue | rocket Arena |
| Knueppel points | 20 |
| Three-pointers made | 5 of 9 |
| Other Hornets scorers | LaMelo Ball 23, Brandon Miller 20 |
| Cavaliers top scorers | Donovan Mitchell 30, De’Andre Hunter 27, Darius garland 27 |
| Standings | Cavaliers 7th in East; Hornets 12th |
| Previous record holder | Lauri Markkanen, 41 games (Bulls, 2017-18) |
Evergreen insights: what this milestone means beyond a single game
The achievement highlights how the modern NBA rewards immediate three-point contributions from rookies, reflecting a league-wide emphasis on spacing and shot-making from distance. Knueppel’s rapid pace to 100 threes underscores the growing role young players can play in stretching defenses early in their careers.
For teams in transition, a rookie who can generate scoring from beyond the arc offers a valuable edge, especially when paired with established playmakers who can create high-percentage looks.while a single game cannot define a season, this milestone signals a promising pathway for Charlotte’s rebuild and how it plans to balance development with winning opportunities.
The Cavaliers demonstrated balanced scoring from their rotation, with multiple players contributing at a high level. As the season unfolds, both teams will look to translate this performance into sustained progress, with Knueppel’s trajectory likely drawing continued attention from fans and scouts alike.
What to watch next
How will Knueppel build on this record? Will Charlotte leverage his shooting to accelerate development for its other young players? And can Cleveland maintain efficiency on offense as it refines its lineup decisions in a tight playoff race?
Reader questions
Which milestone from a rising rookie excites you the most this season, and why?
Do you see Knueppel becoming a central piece of the Hornets’ future, or will his role evolve as the team’s core develops around him?
Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion about how rookies are reshaping the NBA landscape.
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