Hornets’ Kon Knueppel Scores Career-High 24 in Win Over Jazz
UPDATE: The Charlotte Hornets decisively defeated the Utah Jazz 126-103 on October 29, 2023, snapping their three-game losing streak. Rookie sensation Kon Knueppel shone brightly with a career-high 24 points, while Miles Bridges added 29 points in a commanding performance at the Spectrum Center.
This victory is crucial for the Hornets, who were missing key players Brandon Miller (shoulder subluxation) and LaMelo Ball (ankle impingement). High-energy center Moussa Diabate also contributed significantly with 17 points and 12 rebounds, providing a vital spark throughout the game. Teammate Sion James, a fellow Duke alumnus, added a career-high 15 points as the Hornets demonstrated their depth and resilience.
Knueppel’s performance was particularly noteworthy, especially after struggling in recent games. After making just 2 of 12 from beyond the arc in his last two outings, he rebounded by hitting 4 of 9 three-pointers, helping the Hornets connect on 18 three-pointers overall. He received a standing ovation from the home crowd when he exited with 1:38 left on the clock, as Charlotte maintained a comfortable lead.
The Hornets wasted no time, jumping to a commanding 39-25 lead by the end of the first quarter. They extended their advantage to as much as 28 points before halftime, driven by Knueppel’s explosive first-half scoring and Diabate’s relentless hustle on the boards. At halftime, Charlotte had made 12 of 26 shots from beyond the arc, while the Jazz struggled at just 4 of 20.
Despite a late push from Utah, which cut the deficit to 16 points in the third quarter, Diabate’s clutch offensive rebound and tip-in at the buzzer shifted momentum back to the Hornets. The Jazz, led by Lauri Markkanen’s 29 points and Keyonte George’s 25 points, faced their third consecutive defeat.
The Hornets will be looking to build on this momentum as they head to New Orleans for their next game on Tuesday night. Meanwhile, the Jazz will travel to Boston on Monday for their upcoming matchup.
This victory not only boosts the Hornets’ morale but also highlights the potential of their young roster, making them a team to watch as the season progresses. Fans are eager to see if Knueppel can continue this upward trajectory in his rookie season.
