Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel sets NBA three-point record
Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel has become the fastest player in NBA history to reach 200 three-pointers during a dominant 131-99 victory over the Chicago Bulls.
The 20-year-old American scored 21 points, including three shots from beyond the arc, to help condemn the hosts to a 10th consecutive defeat.
Knueppel achieved the milestone in just his 58th career game, surpassing the previous pace set in the league.
Brandon Miller also contributed significantly with 23 points as the visitors secured their eighth straight win on the road.
Chasing rookie history
The former Duke Blue Devils standout is now closing in on the all-time rookie record for threes in a single season.
With a league-leading 201 made three-pointers, the fourth overall draft pick needs just six more to eclipse Keegan Murray’s tally of 206 set in the 2022-23 campaign.
His rapid ascent has drawn high praise from within the franchise.
“It is exciting and refreshing,” said Hornets head coach Charles Lee.
“It elevates our whole culture when you have a guy who is that good but that humble and has no ego, and it becomes contagious throughout the whole organisation.”
Harden shines for Cavaliers
Elsewhere, James Harden scored 20 points to guide the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 109-94 win against the New York Knicks.
The victory allowed Cleveland to draw level with the Knicks in the Eastern Conference standings on 37 wins and 22 losses.
Harden, an 11-time All-Star who joined from the Los Angeles Clippers earlier this month, is still seeking his first NBA championship at the age of 36.
“We’re working to build something special, and each game is an opportunity to get better,” said the veteran guard.
“Tonight was a good step for us.”
Celtics and Thunder secure wins
The Boston Celtics strengthened their grip on second place in the East with a comfortable 97-81 victory over the Phoenix Suns.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers put 135 points past the Indiana Pacers, leaving last year’s finalists at the bottom of the conference.
In the West, conference leaders Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Toronto Raptors 116-107.
The Orlando Magic edged the Los Angeles Lakers by a single point, 110-109, while the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Portland Trail Blazers in a high-scoring affair.