Kon Knueppel went off earlier than he went out on Friday night time. The rookie guard erupted for 16 factors within the first quarter of the Charlotte Hornets’ 120-105 win over the Orlando Magic (17-14), however the No. 4 total draft choose suffered a proper ankle damage late within the first half that sidelined him the remainder of the sport.
Head coach Charles Lee stated afterward that it sounded just like the X-rays on Knueppel’s ankle had been adverse, and that the Hornets (11-20) will get extra details about Knueppel when the staff returns residence, as reported by The Charlotte Observer.
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With lower than 30 seconds to go within the second quarter, Knueppel appeared to roll his ankle after touchdown on the shoe of Magic guard Desmond Bane on a contest within the paint.
Whereas Knueppel was quiet within the second quarter earlier than his damage, he turned heads together with his first-quarter outburst, which noticed him make all 4 of his 3-point makes an attempt.
The Duke product has loved record-breaking success from past the arc this season. Earlier this week, throughout a 139-132 defeat to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the 20-year-old Knueppel grew to become the quickest participant in NBA historical past to make 100 3s.
He wanted solely 29 video games to do it, surpassing Lauri Markkanen, who reached the milestone in 41 video games with the Chicago Bulls in 2017-18.
Knueppel got here into Friday’s matchup in Orlando averaging 19.4 factors per recreation on 47.4% capturing, with a 41.9% clip from lengthy vary.
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Like faculty teammate Cooper Flagg, Knueppel has swiftly translated his talent set to the NBA.
Knueppel’s damage is the most recent the Hornets have taken on this season. They had been notably down two of their top-three facilities Friday, as each Ryan Kalkbrenner and Mason Plumlee weren’t obtainable.
Nonetheless, Charlotte discovered a option to win on the highway. Seven totally different Hornets scored in double figures. LaMelo Ball led the cost with 22 factors and splashed 4 3s, albeit with six turnovers connected to his stat line. Collin Sexton, in simply his second recreation again from a quad damage, chipped in 13 factors off the bench.
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The Hornets have been taking part in higher basketball of late, however shedding Knueppel for any important period of time might stunt that progress.
