In the electric buzz of a New Year’s Eve showdown in Charlotte, a 20-year-old rookie did something unthinkable: he passed Stephen Curry on an NBA rookie record. Kon Knueppel, the Hornets’ No. 4 pick from the 2025 draft, etched his name into history during Charlotte’s gritty 132-125 loss to the Warriors.
This wasn’t just any game. Curry, the four-time champ and Charlotte native, returned to his roots fresh off his own absence. But eyes quickly turned to Knueppel, back from a sprained ankle that sidelined him for one game.
Knueppel’s Record-Breaking Night Unfolds
Knueppel wasted no time. He dropped 20 points on razor-sharp efficiency—7-for-11 from the field (63.6%), 4-for-7 from deep, and perfect at the line for 50/40/90 splits. Add five rebounds and eight assists, and you see a kid who plays like he’s been here for years.
Down the stretch, with the Hornets clawing back from a 15-point deficit, Knueppel delivered. A pull-up midrange jumper over Curry cut the lead to 111-106 with 7:45 left. Then, a dagger triple from the top of the arc made it 123-118.
Those shots kept Charlotte alive, even if the Warriors’ 49% three-point barrage—24-for-49, paced by Curry’s 26 points and five triples—proved too much.
The record? Most rookie games with 20+ points on 50/40/90 shooting. Knueppel hit 12, topping Curry’s mark. For a rookie facing the greatest shooter ever, that’s locker-room legend stuff right away.
Curry’s Postgame Nod Changes Everything
After the whistle, Curry didn’t hold back. “It’s impressive. For as young as he is, he plays with such composure,” the Warriors star said.
He zeroed in on Knueppel’s shot: “You can’t leave him open at all. He just has such a good, quick release and shoots with confidence.” Curry called his playmaking “very underrated,” adding that Knueppel’s game fits any NBA pace—”fast-paced run-and-gun or slowed-down possession”.
“The Hornets are happy to have him,” Curry wrapped up. Coming from the guy with 119 threes this season (Knueppel sits third at 117), that’s validation that hits different in a young player’s world.
Imagine the Hornets’ locker room. A rookie breaks a Curry record in a near-upset, then gets the GOAT’s seal of approval. Teammates like LaMelo Ball (27 points, seven 3s) and Brandon Miller (33 points) had monster nights, but Knueppel’s poise stood out amid the rally.
The Rookie’s Humble Pushback
Reporters pressed Knueppel: What was it like sharing the floor with Curry, a guy “you’re probably going to be compared to for the rest of your career”?
“Hmm… I don’t know about that,” he quipped, flashing a mix of humility and focus. No hype, just a kid locked in on the next play.
At Duke last year, Knueppel thrived alongside stars like Cooper Flagg. Now, in the pros, he’s third in NBA triples, defying rookie norms on a rebuilding Hornets squad. Team sources suggest his versatility—scoring off the dribble, facilitating, spotting up—has Charlotte buzzing about long-term fit.
Why This Feels Bigger Than One Record
Records fade, but moments like this linger. For Hornets fans starved for hope, Knueppel represents a shift. He’s not just shooting lights out; he’s competing against Curry without blinking.
Curry’s praise underscores the human side—veteran to rookie, respect earned in battle. In a league full of flash, Knueppel’s composure echoes what made Curry untouchable early on.
The Warriors closed strong, with vets like Draymond Green nearly triple-doubling and bench sparks from Brandin Podziemski (19 points, five 3s) sealing it. But Charlotte’s fight, fueled by Knueppel, narrowed a third-quarter 15-point hole.
This game highlighted the NBA’s next wave clashing with its icons. Knueppel didn’t win, but he arrived—record in hand, Curry’s words ringing true.
Locker rooms thrive on these sparks. Hornets players saw a rookie hold his own, hit clutch buckets, and shrug off hype. Curry saw a mirror of his fearless start.
As the season rolls on, watch Knueppel. Third in threes, record-holder, unfazed. Charlotte might have found their shooter for the future
Sam, a dedicated blogger, has immersed himself in the world of content creation for the past five years. His journey reflects a profound passion for storytelling and insightful commentary. Beyond the digital realm, Sam is a devoted NBA enthusiast, seamlessly blending his love for sports with his writing pursuits.