Hornets Duo Knueppel and Ball Lead NBA in 3-Pointers

Backcourt stars become first teammates to finish 1-2 in league 3-point shooting since Curry and Thompson

Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:38am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the motion and energy of a basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the players and the court.The Hornets' dynamic backcourt duo of Kon Knueppel and LaMelo Ball have become the NBA's premier 3-point shooting tandem, pushing the boundaries of what's possible from beyond the arc.Charlotte Today

Kon Knueppel and LaMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets have made history by becoming the first NBA teammates to finish the season 1-2 in 3-point shooting since the Golden State Warriors' Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. The backcourt duo's sharpshooting prowess has impressed fans and analysts alike.

Why it matters

Knueppel and Ball's accomplishment is a testament to the Hornets' offensive system and the players' individual skills. It also highlights the growing importance of 3-point shooting in the modern NBA game, with teams increasingly relying on long-range marksmanship to create spacing and generate points.

The details

Knueppel led the league with 402 made 3-pointers, while Ball was second with 389. The two combined for over 790 3-pointers, a staggering total that underscores their ability to consistently knock down shots from beyond the arc. Their performance has drawn comparisons to the Splash Brothers duo of Curry and Thompson, who have long been considered the gold standard for elite 3-point shooting in the NBA.

  • The 2025-26 NBA regular season concluded in April 2026.

The players

Kon Knueppel

A sharpshooting guard for the Charlotte Hornets who led the NBA in 3-pointers made during the 2025-26 season.

LaMelo Ball

A dynamic point guard for the Charlotte Hornets who finished second in the NBA in 3-pointers made during the 2025-26 season.

Steph Curry

A legendary point guard for the Golden State Warriors and one half of the renowned 'Splash Brothers' duo known for their elite 3-point shooting.

Klay Thompson

A prolific shooting guard for the Golden State Warriors and the other half of the 'Splash Brothers' duo known for their elite 3-point shooting.

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What’s next

The Hornets will look to build on their backcourt duo's historic 3-point shooting performance as they prepare for the upcoming NBA playoffs, where they hope to make a deep postseason run.

The takeaway

Knueppel and Ball's 1-2 finish in 3-point shooting showcases the Hornets' commitment to an up-tempo, high-scoring offense that emphasizes the long ball. Their accomplishment underscores the evolving nature of the NBA game and the growing importance of elite 3-point shooting in today's league.