Hornets' Kon Knueppel breaks franchise 3-point record

Rookie sensation continues historic campaign as Rookie of the Year favorite

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:37am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball player shooting a 3-pointer, with the player's form broken down into overlapping planes of vibrant teal and purple colors.Kon Knueppel's record-breaking 3-point shooting has been a highlight of the Hornets' season as they push for the playoffs.Charlotte Today

Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel broke the franchise's single-season record for 3-pointers made in a 127-107 win over the Phoenix Suns. The fourth overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Knueppel has emerged as the Rookie of the Year favorite with his consistent scoring and record-breaking 3-point shooting.

Why it matters

Knueppel's historic 3-point shooting has been a major factor in the Hornets' push for their first playoff berth since 2015-16. His performance this season has him on pace to post one of the best 3-point shooting campaigns in NBA history, not just among rookies.

The details

Knueppel finished Thursday's game with 20 points on 7-of-14 shooting, including 4-of-9 from 3-point range. His season total of 261 3-pointers made is now one ahead of the previous franchise record of 260 set by Kemba Walker in 2018-19. The 20-year-old already holds the NBA record for 3-pointers made by a rookie, having overtaken the mark set by Keegan Murray earlier this season.

  • Knueppel broke the Hornets' franchise record for 3-pointers made in a single season on April 3, 2026.
  • Knueppel set the NBA rookie record for 3-pointers made earlier this season in February 2026.

The players

Kon Knueppel

A 20-year-old guard for the Charlotte Hornets who was the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. He has emerged as the Rookie of the Year favorite with his consistent scoring and record-breaking 3-point shooting.

Kemba Walker

A former Charlotte Hornets guard who held the franchise's single-season record for 3-pointers made with 260 in the 2018-19 season, a mark that has now been surpassed by Kon Knueppel.

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What they’re saying

“Kon Knueppel has been a revelation for us this season. His ability to knock down 3-pointers at such a high rate has been a huge boost for our team.”

— James Borrego, Head Coach, Charlotte Hornets

What’s next

With five games remaining in the regular season, Knueppel will look to continue his historic 3-point shooting and lead the Hornets to their first playoff berth in nearly a decade.

The takeaway

Kon Knueppel's record-breaking 3-point shooting has been a major factor in the Hornets' resurgence this season. His performance has him on pace to post one of the best 3-point shooting campaigns in NBA history, cementing his status as the Rookie of the Year favorite.