Knueppel’s 33 Points Not Enough as Hornets Fall to Cavaliers | NBA News
- February 21, 2026 – Kon Knueppel delivered a standout performance with 33 points, but the Charlotte Hornets were unable to overcome a strong showing from the Cleveland Cavaliers,...
- Knueppel, fresh off his appearance in the three-point contest at All-Star Weekend, continued his hot shooting, connecting on 7 of 15 attempts from beyond the arc.
- The game saw a competitive first quarter with both teams trading baskets.
Hornets Fall to Cavaliers Despite Knueppel’s Stellar Performance
– Kon Knueppel delivered a standout performance with 33 points, but the Charlotte Hornets were unable to overcome a strong showing from the Cleveland Cavaliers, falling 118-113 on .
Knueppel, fresh off his appearance in the three-point contest at All-Star Weekend, continued his hot shooting, connecting on 7 of 15 attempts from beyond the arc. Despite his impressive offensive display, the Hornets struggled to contain the Cavaliers, hindering their pursuit of a play-in spot.
The game saw a competitive first quarter with both teams trading baskets. However, a lull in scoring from the Hornets’ second unit allowed Cleveland to build a lead. Charlotte went scoreless for the final 3:21 of the opening frame, finding themselves down by 10 points.
Knueppel sparked a response, narrowing the gap, but the Cavaliers proved difficult to contain, maintaining a six-point advantage at halftime. The rookie continued to shine in the third quarter, briefly giving the Hornets the lead. However, a series of fouls hampered Brandon Miller, forcing him to the bench, and a couple of unproductive possessions by Tre Mann allowed Cleveland to regain control heading into the fourth quarter.
The Hornets’ second unit managed to hold their own while awaiting Miller’s return. Upon re-entering the game, Miller focused on three-point attempts, but struggled to find the mark, mirroring a team-wide shooting slump. The Cavaliers capitalized, with Dean Wade hitting a crucial three-pointer and Donovan Mitchell adding tough buckets to secure the victory.
Knueppel’s performance was a bright spot for the Hornets. He frequently initiated the offense, particularly in the second half, and consistently sought out scoring opportunities. His gritty play included a tip-in and creating several two-point shots throughout the game.
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 32 points. The Cavaliers have now won seven consecutive games.
While Knueppel’s scoring was impressive, LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller faced challenges on the night. The Hornets will need more consistent contributions from their key players as they continue to fight for a place in the play-in tournament.
Fans have been quick to praise Knueppel’s development, with many recognizing his potential to become a significant force in the league. One fan commented, “Kon Knueppel kid gonna be a problem. A very good one.” Another remarked, “That’s a BIG night for Kon Knueppel 🔥33 points on 11/20 shooting and 7/15 from three is elite efficiency.”
Hornets coach Charles Lee has also emphasized Knueppel’s toughness and competitive spirit, pushing back against the notion that the rookie is simply a “nice kid.” Lee believes Knueppel possesses a genuine scorer’s mentality and plays with a noticeable edge.