Knueppel and Ball finished 1-2 in the NBA in 3s. Now they hope to get Hornets to the playoffs
The Charlotte Hornets are making waves in the NBA with their dynamic backcourt duo of Kon Knueppel and LaMelo Ball, who are reminiscent of the legendary Splash Brothers, Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. These two sharpshooters have become the first teammates to finish 1-2 in the NBA in 3-pointers since the Golden State duo, and they are hoping to lead the Hornets to their first playoff appearance in a decade.
Knueppel, who shattered the NBA rookie record for 3-pointers in a season, led the league with 273 made shots from beyond the arc while shooting an impressive 42.5%. Ball was right behind him with 272 made 3-pointers on 36.8% shooting. The duo’s long-range shooting prowess has been a key factor in the Hornets’ offensive identity under coach Charles Lee, and they will be looking to showcase their skills in the upcoming play-in tournament game against the Miami Heat.
The Hornets have not made it to the playoffs since the 2015-16 season, and they will need to beat the Heat and then the loser of the 7-8 matchup to secure a spot in the postseason series. Knueppel has been a standout performer for the team, earning Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month honors multiple times and leading all first-year players with 36 20-point games. Ball has also been a crucial contributor, showcasing his unorthodox shooting style and ability to create separation with his step-back 3s.
Despite their differences in playing style, Ball and Knueppel have formed a strong partnership on the court, with their unselfishness and teamwork leading to success. The Hornets’ roster is filled with other talented shooters like Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Coby White, who have all contributed to the team’s success from beyond the arc.
As the Hornets gear up for their first playoff appearance in a decade, they will be looking to translate their sharpshooting abilities into postseason success. With a talented roster and a strong offensive identity, the Hornets are poised to make a statement in the playoffs and potentially follow in the footsteps of the legendary Splash Brothers.
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