Kon Knueppel made the game-winning play in the Charlotte Hornets' win against the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Charlotte Hornets beat the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday by a final score of 103-101, improving to 33-33 on the season.
Charlotte was led in scoring by Brandon Miller, who put up 23 points in 36 minutes, but the talented forward said after the game that rookie Kon Knueppel saved him.
With 12 seconds left in regulation and the Hornets up 99-98, Knueppel drew a charge on Jerami Grant, who got by Miller.
Knueppel finished with 15 points against the Trail Blazers. He shot 4-of-8 from beyond the arc, adding to his league-leading makes in 3s.
A Duke product, Knueppel could win the Rookie of the Year Award this season. He's averaging 19.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game while shooting 48.9% from the field, 43.8% from beyond the arc and 87.1% from the free-throw line.
Miller is having a stellar campaign as well. He's putting up 20.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists per contest and shooting 43.2% overall, 37.9% from 3 and 89.0% from the foul line.
With Miller, Knueppel, LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges leading the way, the Hornets have 7-3 over their last 10 games. Charles Lee's group is fourth in the NBA in offensive rating.
Barring a late-season collapse, it appears the Hornets will be in the NBA play-in tournament this season. Seeds 7-10 participate in the play-in tournament. Charlotte is currently the 10th seed. The 10th seed needs to win two play-in games to make the playoffs.
Charlotte hasn't made the playoffs since 2016. It will be fascinating to see how the Hornets finish the season. They clearly have a bright future with Miller and Knueppel in the fold.
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