Breakdown
Performance
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April 18, 2026
Cold finish to rookie campaign
Knueppel produced 11 points (3-10 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 4-5 FT), three rebounds, one assist and one steal in 29 minutes during Friday's 121-90 Play-In Game loss to the Magic.
Analysis
Knueppel was one of the deadliest shooters from three-point range during his rookie season, connecting on 42.5 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc (on 7.9 3PA/G). However, he struggled toward the tail end of the campaign, and over his last six outings (including both Play-In Tournament games), he connected on just 29.5 percent of his field-goal attempts (including 23.8 percent of three-point tries) while averaging 10.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 0.7 steals over 31.5 minutes per game. Knueppel's disappointing end to 2025-26 shouldn't take away from his historic season, as he and former Duke teammate Cooper Flagg are both frontrunners for the NBA's Rookie of the Year award.
April 15, 2026
Goes cold in victory
Knueppel finished Tuesday's 127-126 overtime Play-In Game victory over the Heat with six points (2-12 FG, 0-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT), five rebounds and one assist across 34 minutes.
Analysis
Knueppel continued his recent struggles on the offensive end, shooting no better than 36 percent from the floor for the fifth straight game. While it has been a spectacular rookie season for Knueppel, his recent slump has come at arguably the worst time for the Hornets. Following Tuesday's victory, Charlotte will now face either the 76ers or the Magic for the final spot in the playoffs. Look for Knueppel to try and shoot his way back into form in what is another must-win game.