Charlotte's Kon Knueppel sets Hornets record for 3-pointers

2025 No. 4 overall pick leads the league in 3-pointers made, displacing Kemba Walker atop the Charlotte record books.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:09am

A dynamic, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the blurred, energetic motion of a basketball player shooting a 3-pointer, the ball and player's form dissolving into vibrant brushstrokes.Kon Knueppel's record-breaking 3-point shooting has fueled the Hornets' playoff push and captivated Charlotte fans with his explosive on-court energy.Charlotte Today

Charlotte Hornets rookie guard Kon Knueppel set the franchise record for 3-pointers made in a season, surpassing the previous mark held by Kemba Walker. Knueppel, who leads the NBA in 3-pointers made this season, hit four more triples in the Hornets' 127-107 win over the Phoenix Suns, bringing his season total to 261 and breaking Walker's record of 260 set in 2018-19.

Why it matters

Knueppel's record-breaking performance is a significant milestone for the young Hornets star, who was the 4th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. His ability to consistently hit 3-pointers has been a key factor in Charlotte's success this season as they push for a playoff berth.

The details

Knueppel needed four 3-pointers to break the Hornets franchise record coming into the game. He hit the record-breaking shot late in the fourth quarter, with the home crowd rising to their feet in anticipation. Knueppel also set the NBA rookie record for 3-pointers made earlier this season, surpassing the previous mark held by Sacramento's Keegan Murray.

  • Knueppel set the Hornets franchise record for 3-pointers made in a season on April 3, 2026.
  • Knueppel broke the previous Hornets record of 260 3-pointers in a season, set by Kemba Walker in 2018-19.

The players

Kon Knueppel

A 2025 4th overall draft pick by the Charlotte Hornets, Knueppel is a sharpshooting guard who currently leads the NBA in 3-pointers made this season.

Kemba Walker

A former Hornets star who held the franchise record for 3-pointers made in a season at 260, a mark that was surpassed by Knueppel.

Charles Lee

The head coach of the Charlotte Hornets, who celebrated Knueppel's record-breaking performance by dousing him with water in the postgame press conference.

Collin Gillespie

The Phoenix Suns guard who set the franchise record for 3-pointers made in a season with 227, surpassing the previous mark of 226 set by Quentin Richardson.

Grant Williams

The Hornets player who found Knueppel for the record-breaking 3-pointer in the fourth quarter.

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What they’re saying

“I think maybe I've surpassed my expectations for myself a little bit.”

— Kon Knueppel, Hornets Guard

“You definitely feel it. It makes the ones that go in real, real sweet, but it is also like pretty reassuring as a shooter when the ones you miss the crowd (lets out) an audible like 'ooooh.' That's reassuring as a shooter that fans believe in that every shot you take is going in.”

— Kon Knueppel, Hornets Guard

What’s next

The Hornets will look to continue their push for a playoff berth as the regular season winds down. Knueppel will aim to build on his record-setting performance and help lead Charlotte to the postseason.

The takeaway

Kon Knueppel's record-breaking season has been a bright spot for the Hornets, showcasing the young star's elite shooting ability and potential to be a franchise cornerstone for years to come. His performance this season has exceeded expectations and has Charlotte fans excited about the team's future.