Charlotte Hornets' Young Duo Makes NBA History

LaMelo Ball and Kon Knueppel become the second pair of teammates to lead the league in 3-pointers made.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:50am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game in motion, with the players' forms broken down into overlapping, angular shapes in a vibrant color palette, the basketball itself the central focus.The Hornets' young sharpshooters have broken the mold with their historic 3-point barrage, capturing the excitement of the team's resurgence.Charlotte Today

The Charlotte Hornets had a breakout 2025-26 NBA season, led by the young duo of LaMelo Ball and rookie Kon Knueppel. The pair made history as the second set of teammates to finish 1st and 2nd in the league for most 3-pointers made in a single season, with Knueppel becoming the first rookie to lead the NBA in that category.

Why it matters

The Hornets' success this season, fueled by their young star players, marks a promising turnaround for the franchise after a decade-long playoff drought. Their historic 3-point shooting accomplishments showcase the team's offensive firepower and potential to be a force in the Eastern Conference for years to come.

The details

LaMelo Ball and Kon Knueppel combined for 545 3-pointers made this season, with Knueppel leading the league with 273 and Ball finishing second with 272. They are only the second pair of teammates to accomplish this feat, after Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson did it four times from 2013 to 2017 with the Golden State Warriors.

  • The Charlotte Hornets finished the 2025-26 regular season with a 44-38 record, good for 9th place in the Eastern Conference.
  • The Hornets hosted the Miami Heat in the NBA Play-In Tournament, with the winner advancing to face either the Philadelphia 76ers or Orlando Magic for the 8th seed in the playoffs.

The players

LaMelo Ball

The Hornets' star point guard, who finished second in the league with 272 3-pointers made this season.

Kon Knueppel

The Hornets' rookie shooting guard, who led the NBA with 273 3-pointers made, becoming the first rookie to accomplish this feat.

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What they’re saying

“LaMelo and Kon have been a dynamic duo for us all season. Their ability to knock down 3-pointers at such a high rate has been a huge part of our success.”

— Steve Clifford, Head Coach, Charlotte Hornets

What’s next

The Hornets will look to carry their momentum from the regular season into the NBA Play-In Tournament, where they will face the Miami Heat for a chance to earn the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The takeaway

The Charlotte Hornets' young core of LaMelo Ball and Kon Knueppel have proven to be one of the most exciting and productive backcourts in the NBA. Their historic 3-point shooting accomplishments this season have positioned the Hornets as a team on the rise, with the potential to end their decade-long playoff drought and become a contender in the Eastern Conference.