The Charlotte Hornets made a statement Thursday, and Kon Knueppel was at the center of it. His performance not only fueled a big win but also etched his name into NBA history. Yankee Scores reports.
Knueppel’s Breakthrough Performance
Knueppel scored 26 points, drained six 3-pointers, and became the youngest player ever to reach 250 threes in a season. The 20-year-old nearly recorded his first triple-double, finishing with 10 rebounds and eight assists. His shooting helped Charlotte snap New York’s seven-game winning streak with a 114-103 victory.
LaMelo Ball added 22 points, while Brandon Miller chipped in 21 and eight rebounds. Miles Bridges and Coby White each scored 17, showcasing the Hornets’ balanced attack.
🎙️ Brandon Miller: “I’ve never heard a New York game like this where Charlotte fans are cheering louder than the New York fans… I applaud them.”
“I’ve been the one playoff game… it was similar in here tonight.” pic.twitter.com/Q5FzDaXnJp
— r/CharlotteHornets (@HornetsReddit) March 27, 2026
Knicks Fall Short
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 26 points and 13 assists, while OG Anunoby added 17. New York entered the night needing a win to clinch a playoff berth, but Charlotte’s hot shooting proved too much. The Hornets hit 16 of 41 from deep, continuing their recent surge after tying a franchise record with 26 threes against Sacramento earlier in the week.
Playoff Race Heats Up
With the win, Charlotte (39-34) pulled even with Miami for eighth place in the East, though the Heat hold the head-to-head tiebreaker. The Hornets’ five-game winning streak has them firmly in the postseason mix.
Coach Charles Lee praised his team’s resilience, noting how Knueppel’s confidence has lifted the group. “He’s fearless out there,” Charles said. “For a young player to step into these moments and deliver, it changes everything for us.”
What’s Next
The Hornets return home to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night, while the Knicks look to regroup against the Kings in Oklahoma City on Sunday.
