Hornets' Kon Knueppel makes history as 3-point leader

Knueppel becomes first rookie to lead NBA in 3-pointers made in a season

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:23am

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring bold neon brushstrokes that capture the dynamic motion of a basketball player shooting a 3-pointer, conceptually representing the historic 3-point shooting performance of Kon Knueppel.Kon Knueppel's record-breaking 3-point shooting season has the Hornets primed for a potential playoff push.Charlotte Today

Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel finished the 2026 NBA season as the league leader in 3-pointers made, becoming the first rookie in history to accomplish the feat. Knueppel surpassed teammate LaMelo Ball and set the NBA rookie record with 270 3-pointers, joining elite company alongside Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson as the only teammates to each make 270 or more 3s in a season.

Why it matters

Knueppel's historic 3-point shooting has been a major factor in the Hornets' surprise playoff push, as the team clinched a spot in the play-in tournament. His emergence as a lethal outside shooter has him positioned as the frontrunner for NBA Rookie of the Year, in what should be one of the closest award races in recent memory.

The details

Knueppel finished the regular season averaging 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists while shooting 42.5% from 3-point range in 81 appearances. He set the NBA rookie record for most 3-pointers in a season, surpassing Keegan Murray's previous mark of 206. Knueppel also broke the Hornets' single-season 3-point record held by Kemba Walker.

  • Knueppel entered Sunday leading the NBA with 270 3-pointers made.
  • By the end of the Hornets' 110-96 win over the Knicks, Knueppel finished the season as the league leader in 3-pointers.
  • Knueppel and teammate LaMelo Ball joined Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson as the only teammates in NBA history to each make 270 or more 3-pointers in a season.

The players

Kon Knueppel

A rookie guard for the Charlotte Hornets who finished the 2026 season as the NBA leader in 3-pointers made, setting a new rookie record.

LaMelo Ball

Knueppel's teammate on the Charlotte Hornets, who finished second in the NBA in 3-pointers made this season with 267.

Stephen Curry

An NBA superstar who, along with Klay Thompson, is one of only two pairs of teammates to each make 270 or more 3-pointers in a season.

Klay Thompson

An NBA superstar who, along with Stephen Curry, is one of only two pairs of teammates to each make 270 or more 3-pointers in a season.

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What they’re saying

“I wasn't really aware of how many we were separated by. We just tried to make the right play. Me and him didn't really make a lot of 3s down the stretch, either. Just tried to go out there and make the right decision.”

— Kon Knueppel

What’s next

The Hornets will host the Miami Heat in a win-or-go-home play-in tournament game on Tuesday, with Knueppel eager to lead his team to the playoffs.

The takeaway

Kon Knueppel's historic 3-point shooting has been a driving force behind the Hornets' surprise playoff push, and his emergence as a lethal outside threat has him positioned as the frontrunner for NBA Rookie of the Year in a tight race.