Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel is rapidly rewriting the NBA record books for three-point shooting. On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, the Hornets defeated the Chicago Bulls 131-99, a victory fueled by Knueppel’s 21 points and a team-record eighth consecutive road win. But the scoreline tells only part of the story. Knueppel’s performance saw him reach a milestone previously unattained so quickly in NBA history: 200 three-pointers in just 58 games. This remarkable feat underscores a burgeoning talent that is already captivating fans and reshaping expectations for first-year players.
The Hornets’ dominant performance in Chicago wasn’t solely down to Knueppel’s sharpshooting. Brandon Miller contributed 23 points, while the team as a whole displayed impressive accuracy from beyond the arc, sinking 25 of 57 three-point attempts. This offensive firepower proved too much for the Bulls, who suffered their tenth consecutive defeat, matching their longest losing streak since January 2019. The win for Charlotte signifies a turning point for a team finding its rhythm, while for Chicago, it highlights a period of struggle and the need for a shift in momentum.
Knueppel’s Historic Ascent: A Record-Breaking Pace
Kon Knueppel’s journey to 200 three-pointers in 58 games is nothing short of extraordinary. He surpassed the previous record held by Duncan Robinson, who reached the same milestone in 69 games. As reported by the Associated Press, Knueppel is now the fastest player in NBA history to achieve this feat. What makes this accomplishment even more impressive is that he is only the second rookie ever to reach 200 three-pointers, demonstrating a level of proficiency rarely seen from players in their first season. His current total of 201 three-pointers puts him within striking distance of Keegan Murray’s rookie record of 206, set in the 2022-23 season with the Sacramento Kings.
Knueppel’s path to the NBA began with a successful collegiate career at Duke University. Drafted fourth overall by the Hornets in the 2025 NBA draft, he quickly transitioned his skills to the professional level. His impact has been immediate and profound, not only in terms of scoring but too in the energy and confidence he brings to the team. The Hornets’ head coach, Charles Lee, praised Knueppel’s humility and work ethic, stating, “It is exciting and refreshing [to coach Knueppel]. 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.”
Beyond Knueppel: A Look at the Hornets’ Success
While Knueppel’s performance is undoubtedly a key factor in the Hornets’ recent success, it’s important to acknowledge the contributions of other players. Brandon Miller’s 23 points against the Bulls were crucial, and the return of Miles Bridges from suspension added another dimension to the team’s offense. The Hornets’ ability to outscore the Bulls 42-16 in the third quarter, including a decisive 22-2 run, showcased their offensive firepower and defensive intensity. This dominant performance highlighted a team firing on all cylinders and demonstrating a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities.
The Hornets’ eighth straight road win is a testament to their resilience and adaptability. Their shooting accuracy, particularly from three-point range, has been a defining characteristic of this winning streak. The team’s ability to consistently knock down shots from distance has stretched opposing defenses and created scoring opportunities for all players. This offensive efficiency, combined with improved defensive efforts, has propelled the Hornets to a position of strength in the Eastern Conference standings.
Chicago Bulls Face Challenges Amidst Losing Streak
In contrast to the Hornets’ upward trajectory, the Chicago Bulls are grappling with a ten-game losing streak. Despite a career-high 32-point performance from Matas Buzelis, the Bulls were unable to overcome the Hornets’ offensive onslaught. Turnovers proved to be a significant issue for Chicago, with 19 committed throughout the game, hindering their ability to maintain possession and generate scoring opportunities. Patrick Williams and Guerschon Yabusele each added 11 points, but their contributions were not enough to prevent the Bulls from falling to their tenth consecutive defeat.
The Bulls’ struggles highlight the challenges of building a consistent winning team in a competitive NBA landscape. The team’s inability to close out games and protect the ball has been a recurring theme during this losing streak. Addressing these issues will be crucial for the Bulls to regain their footing and compete for a playoff spot. The team will need to focus on improving their execution, reducing turnovers, and finding ways to generate more consistent offensive production.
Harden’s Impact with the Cavaliers and Other NBA Highlights
Beyond the Hornets-Bulls matchup, other notable games took place across the NBA on February 24th and 25th, 2026. James Harden, recently acquired by the Cleveland Cavaliers, made an immediate impact, scoring 20 points in a 109-94 victory over the New York Knicks. This win allowed the Cavaliers to draw level with the Knicks at 37 wins and 22 losses, solidifying their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Harden, an 11-time NBA All-Star, brings a wealth of experience and offensive firepower to the Cavaliers, and his presence is expected to elevate the team’s performance.
Elsewhere, the Boston Celtics continued their strong form with a 97-81 win over the Phoenix Suns, while the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Indiana Pacers 135-114. In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder maintained their lead with a 116-107 victory over the Toronto Raptors. The Los Angeles Lakers narrowly lost to the Orlando Magic 110-109, and the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 124-121. These games demonstrate the competitive balance across the NBA, with teams vying for playoff positioning as the regular season progresses.
