The NBA has witnessed the emergence of a new sharpshooting sensation, as Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel has become the fastest player in league history to reach the milestone of 100 3-pointers. This impressive feat was achieved in Monday night's thrilling 139-132 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, with Knueppel's 100th three-pointer coming with 49.2 seconds left in the first quarter.
Knueppel, who entered the game with 99 3-pointers in 28 games, finished the night with 5-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc, scoring 20 points in the process. His remarkable achievement has left the basketball world in awe, with many praising his exceptional shooting ability. At just 29 career games, Knueppel has surpassed the previous record held by Lauri Markkanen, who achieved the feat in 41 games during the 2017-18 season. Even the great Stephen Curry, the all-time leader in made 3-pointers, took 58 games to reach his first 100.
According to Hornets coach Charles Lee, Knueppel's success can be attributed to his natural ability to shoot the ball. Lee praised Knueppel's phenomenal base and early shot prep, which have been instrumental in his consistent shooting. The coach also credited Knueppel's parents, as well as his college coach Jon Scheyer, for helping him develop his shooting technique. As Lee noted,
His mechanics are really good, so credit to dad and mom and coach Scheyer and all the people that helped build up just his overall shooting technique.
Knueppel, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft, has been making waves in the league with his blistering start to his career. The 20-year-old rookie has been averaging an impressive 19.4 points per game, while shooting 40.9% from 3-point range on 8.6 attempts per game. His performances have been a key factor in the Hornets' success this season, and his record-breaking achievement is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
The game against the Cavaliers was a hard-fought contest, with 12 lead changes and 10 ties before intermission. The win snapped Cleveland's three-game losing streak, but the focus was firmly on Knueppel's historic achievement. As the NBA continues to evolve, it's clear that Knueppel is one of the most exciting young players in the league, and his record-breaking feat is just the beginning of what promises to be a illustrious career.
Here are some key statistics that highlight Knueppel's impressive start to his NBA career:
As the season progresses, it will be exciting to see how Knueppel continues to develop and improve his game. With his exceptional shooting ability and dedication to his craft, there's no doubt that he will become one of the top players in the league. The future of the NBA is bright, and Kon Knueppel is leading the charge.
The Hornets will look to bounce back from their loss to the Cavaliers as they face off against their next opponents. With Knueppel leading the charge, they will be looking to make a deep run in the playoffs and bring a championship to the city of Charlotte. As the season heats up, one thing is certain: Kon Knueppel is a name that will be on everyone's lips, and his record-breaking achievement will be remembered for years to come.
Original: ESPN
Image: ESPN
Written by Npsports
