Nov 7, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel (7) drives to the basket against Miami Heat guard Norman Powell (24) during the first quarter of an NBA Cup game at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Kon Knueppel continued a historic start to his rookie campaign on Friday, leading the Charlotte Hornets in a loss on the road against the Miami Heat in the NBA Cup.

Knueppel produced 30 points, eight rebounds, three assists, one steal and one blocked shot in the 126-108 defeat at the Kaseya Center. He went 9-of-23 from the field, including 5-of-13 from 3-point range, in 40 minutes as the Hornets dropped to 3-6.

The Hornets trailed 53-33 at the end of the first quarter, playing without LaMelo Ball (ankle), Brandon Miller (shoulder) and Collin Sexton (neck). They stormed back to tie the game midway through the third quarter, but the group couldn't get any closer down the stretch.

Knueppel became the third rookie to score at least 30 points in a game this season, joining VJ Edgecombe and Will Richard. He leads all rookies with four 20-point games and is the only first-year player this season to reach that mark in three straight games.

"I definitely had to be more aggressive tonight," Knueppel said. "We needed it to stay in the game. I thought I left a lot out there. I missed a lot of easy looks, so not as efficient as I wanted to be tonight, but I definitely had to take on a bigger load here."

Knueppel is averaging 16.4 points, six rebounds and 2.3 assists on 40.5% shooting from 3-point range in nine games with the Hornets. He is second among all rookies in scoring, trailing only Edgecombe, and is third in rebounding.

The fourth pick has knocked down 30 3-pointers to begin the season, the most by any player through the first nine games of a career in history. He is on pace to shatter the rookie record, set by Keegan Murray in the 2022-23 season (206).

Hornets coach Charles Lee told Knueppel before the start of the season that he would be a starter for some games and play in the second unit in others. He has played a key role in helping the Hornets begin the season on a better foot than in past years.

Knueppel appears poised to play a significant role for the Hornets this season, based on his versatility and overall skill set. He has impressed those around him in the early going and brings a different element to the team when he is on the court.

"He is one of the main guys that I think is not rattled by any situation, no moment," Lee said. "I think our whole group rallies around that type of energy and spirit. It is good to see him want the ball in big moments. He just comes up with big plays, I think, defensively and offensively. I love what he is giving our group, and the fact that he has that spirit, it really helps our group."

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Hornets' Kon Knueppel continues historic start with first 30-point game

Reporting by Cody Taylor, Rookie Wire / Rookie Wire

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect