KON Knueppel set a new NBA rookie record for most three-pointers in a season as Charlotte Hornets cruised to a 133–109 victory over Indiana Pacers in the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season on Thursday night (Friday in the Philippines) at Indianapolis, Indiana.
Knueppel finished with 28 points and knocked down eight three-pointers, bringing his season total to 209 and surpassing the previous rookie record of 206 set by Keegan Murray during the 2022–23 season.
Knueppel’s milestone came in just 59 games, significantly fewer than the 80 games Murray needed to establish the former mark in his first year with Sacramento Kings.
The record-breaking three-pointer came midway through the fourth quarter when Knueppel used a ball fake to create space before calmly draining the shot.
Brandon Miller led Charlotte with 33 points, helping the Hornets continue their strong run. Charlotte has now won 12 of its last 15 games and extended its road winning streak to nine.
Indiana struggled to keep pace throughout the contest, with Andrew Nembhard leading the team with 20 points while Micah Potter added 19.
Charlotte seized control early, taking advantage of Indiana’s cold shooting in the second quarter. The Pacers made just three of their 18 attempts in the period, allowing the Hornets to build a commanding 67–46 halftime lead.
Miller further widened the gap in the third quarter, hitting four consecutive three-pointers to push Charlotte ahead by 25 points entering the final period, effectively putting the game out of reach.
The Pacers have now allowed at least 130 points in three straight games, marking just the third time in franchise history that they have conceded that many points in consecutive contests.
In Atlanta, CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert combined for 58 points against their former team, leading the Hawks to a dominant 126-96 win against Washington Wizards.
Kispert scored 22 of his career-high 33 points in the first half, subbing in with 4:56 remaining in the first quarter and promptly going 5 for 5 beyond the 3-point arc over the next 10 minutes.
McCollum scored 25 points and had six rebounds and three assists. The veteran guard made a 27-foot 3 pointer and a subsequent free throw right before half, extending Atlanta’s lead to 75-56.
In other results, Houston Rockets prevailed over Orlando Magic, 113-108; San Antonio Spurs mauled Brooklyn Nets, 126-110; and Philadelphia 76ers defeated Miami Heat, 124-117./PN
