A Night of Records: Hornets Dominate Pacers with Rookie's Historic Shooting
Knueppel's Unprecedented Rookie Three-Point Record
Kon Knueppel, the emerging talent from the Charlotte Hornets, delivered a memorable performance, establishing a new NBA single-season rookie benchmark for three-pointers made. His impressive tally of 209 successful shots from beyond the arc surpasses the previous record set by Keegan Murray in the 2022-23 season. This achievement was a cornerstone of his 28-point game against the Indiana Pacers.
Miller's Exceptional Scoring Prowess
Accompanying Knueppel's record-breaking night, teammate Brandon Miller showcased his offensive capabilities by matching his season-high of 33 points. Miller's scoring surge, particularly his 19 points in the third quarter, significantly bolstered the Hornets' dominant 133-109 win. His efficiency, hitting 11 of 19 field goals and 6 of 11 from three-point range, was a key factor in the team's success.
Charlotte's Continued Road Dominance and Team Cohesion
The Hornets' victory in Indianapolis not only highlighted individual brilliance but also extended their franchise-best road winning streak to an impressive nine games. This win is part of a larger successful run, with Charlotte securing 13 victories in their last 16 games. The team displayed remarkable shooting accuracy, converting 55.8% from the field and 47.8% from three-point territory, alongside a commanding 46-37 rebounding advantage.
Key Contributions from Hornets' Supporting Cast
Beyond the standout performances of Knueppel and Miller, other Hornets players made crucial contributions. LaMelo Ball provided a solid all-around effort with 20 points and eight assists, while Moussa Diabate contributed a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, further cementing the team's collective strength.
Pacers' Struggles Amidst Key Absences
In contrast, the Indiana Pacers faced a challenging night, extending their losing streak to five games and nine of their last eleven. The team was hampered by the absence of key players Pascal Siakam, out with a left wrist sprain, and Aaron Nesmith, nursing a sprained right ankle. Despite efforts from Andrew Nembhard (20 points, seven assists) and Micah Potter (19 points off the bench), the Pacers struggled to keep pace with the high-flying Hornets.
Game Flow: Hornets Seize Control After Early Challenge
The game began with the Pacers holding a narrow 34-31 lead after the first quarter. However, the Hornets quickly asserted their dominance in the second quarter, embarking on a significant run. Grant Williams' consecutive three-pointers and Knueppel's fifth trey of the half capped a decisive period, giving Charlotte a commanding 67-46 lead by halftime, a lead they would not relinquish.
Knueppel's Record-Breaking Moment and Fourth Quarter Flourish
Knueppel's historic three-pointer, achieved with a clever pump fake late in the third quarter, pushed the Hornets' lead to a comfortable 103-77. He further contributed to Charlotte's 40-point third quarter with a turnaround jumper as time expired. Entering the fourth quarter, Knueppel added his seventh and eighth three-pointers, allowing the Hornets to cruise to a well-deserved victory.