Fans celebrate Kon Knuepel for a monster game against the Cavs

Knuppel could left with his performance in Charlotte Hornets clash with Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night.

Knuepel is halfway through his first year in the NBA with the Hornets. He’s made remarkable strides as one of the top-performing rookies from the 2025 draft class, which is the case for Rookie of the Year.

The star rookie proved himself with another great game against Cleveland. In 37 minutes of action, Knuepel achieved a statistical line of 33 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal. He shot 11 of 20 from the field, including 7 of 15 from beyond the arc and 4 of 5 from the free throw line.

Kon Knuepel in the Hornets’ loss to the Cavs tonight 🐝

33 points 11-of-20 FG
6 rebounds 7-of-15 3PT
0 turnovers pic.twitter.com/hhvkBDhVu3

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 21, 2026

It didn’t take long for fans to react to his performance, showing their amazement at the rookie’s stellar talent. Here are some of their reactions.

“Kohn Knuppel kid will be a problem. very good 💫,” one fan he said.

“BIG night for Kon Knuepel 🔥33 points on 11/20 shooting and 7/15 from three is elite efficiency – especially in 37 minutes. That kind of perimeter shooting shows confidence and serious shooting ability,” another noticed.

“Kon Knueppel drops 33 points on 7-of-15 in three straight nights, Donovan Mitchell goes for 32. Cavs show they have more ways to beat you. Knueppel is no longer a rookie, he’s a weapon,” one commented.

“33 in 37 minutes… that’s a real production 💪,” one he replied.

“Since day one, btw, no need for ‘adjustments’.” It would be a huge travesty if he wasn’t dead,” a fan he said.

As Kon Knuepel, the Hornets played against the Cavaliers

Despite a stellar effort from Kon Knuepel, it wasn’t enough as the Hornets fell 118-113 to the Cavaliers.

Five players scored in double figures for Charlotte in the loss, including Knuepel. Next came LaMelo Ball with 18 points and six assists, Brandon Miller with 18 points and four assists, Ryan Kalkbrenner with 12 points and 13 rebounds, while Josh Green had 11 points and two assists.

Charlotte fell to a 26-31 record on the season, holding onto 10th place in the Eastern Conference standings. They are above the Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Bulls while trailing the Atlanta Hawks and Miami Heat.

The Hornets will try to bounce back in their next match as they are on the road. They face the Washington Wizards and tip-off will take place on February 22nd at 6:00 PM ET.