The Charlotte Hornets dominated the Indiana Pacers 133-109 as Kon Knueppel broke the NBA rookie three-point season record on Thursday night.
Needing six 3-pointers to top the rookie mark of 206 set by Keegan Murray in 80 games in 2022-23, the NBA’s leading 3-point shooter was 8 of 12 to get to 209 — in just 59 games. Golden State’s Stephen Curry holds the overall record at 402.
Knueppel led the Hornets with 28 points, and Brandon Miller had 33 to put Charlotte improve to 12-3 in their last 15. They also won their last nine road games.
The record-breaking three came with 9:41 to play in the fourth quarter, as Knueppel made a ball fake on Quintin Jackson to get him off his feet, dribbled left, and put the shot up.
On the other hand, Andrew Nembhard led the Pacers with 28 points, Micah Potter had 19, as they gave up 130 points for the third consecutive game for just the third time time in franchise history.
The Pacers had a cold shooting night with 3 for 18 in the second quarter, while the Hornets took advantage to make it a 67-46 halftime advantage.
Miller took charge in the third after hitting four consecutive from behind the arc to give an edge of 107-82 into the final quarter.
The Hornets host the Trail Blazers on Saturday, while the Pacers host the Grizzlies on Sunday.
