Kon Knueppel breaks NBA 3-point record for a rookie in just 59 games

Kon Knueppel has just entered NBA history. The Charlotte Hornets rookie guard broke the 3-point record for a first season Thursday night against the Indiana Pacers, hitting his 207th three-pointer of the campaign. The previous record belonged to Keegan Murray of the Sacramento Kings, who made 206 long-range shots during the 2022-2023 season.

The number 4 draft pick from Duke established this new record on an assist from his former college teammate Sion James. Knueppel had tied Murray’s mark at the end of the first half before surpassing it definitively in the third quarter. The feat is all the more remarkable as it took the rookie only 59 games to surpass a record established in 80 games.

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With 8 three-pointers made in the blowout victory against Indiana (133-109), Knueppel now brings his total to 209 long-range makes. The guard displays a remarkable 43.6% shooting percentage from beyond the arc and leads the league in this category. His exceptional performances have helped propel the Hornets to a playoff berth, a first since the 2015-2016 season.

« That’s what elevates our entire culture when you have a guy who is that good, but so humble, no ego – it becomes contagious throughout your organization, » coach Charles Lee told CGTN Sports Scene after Knueppel crossed the 200 three-pointer mark Tuesday night.

KON KNUEPPEL.

MOST THREES EVER BY A ROOKIE 🚨 pic.twitter.com/1aPSC2c3SO

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Stephen Curry, holder of the career 3-point record, also praised the rookie’s qualities: « He can obviously shoot at a high level. You really can’t leave him open because he has such a quick release and shoots with confidence. And his playmaking ability is very underrated. »

With 23 games still remaining in the regular season, Knueppel could reach unprecedented heights for a rookie. If he maintains his current average, he could finish the season with more than 270 three-pointers, establishing a record that could stand for several years. The Milwaukee native is also emerging as the favorite for the Rookie of the Year trophy, ahead of his former Duke teammate Cooper Flagg, number 1 draft pick with the Dallas Mavericks.