Young gun Knueppel hits big NBA three-pointer milestone

Kon Knueppel has become the youngest player in NBA history to make 250 three-pointers in a season as he led the Charlotte Hornets to a valuable 114-103 home win over the New York Knicks.

The 20-year-old Knueppel scored 26 points - including six 3-pointers - and nearly had his first career triple-double, finishing with 10 rebounds and eight assists.

His efforts ensured the Hornets snapped the high-flying Knicks' seven-game winning streak.

LaMelo Ball added 22 points and Brandon Miller had 21 points and eight rebounds for the Hornets, who have won five straight. Miles Bridges and Coby White each chipped in with 17 points.

Jalen Brunson had 26 points and 13 assists for the Knicks, who would have clinched a playoff berth with a victory. OG Anunoby added 17 points in a game that featured a high-intensity post-season atmosphere.

Charlotte finished Thursday (Friday AEDT) as one of three teams in the Eastern Conference with 39-34 records as the playoffs draw closer, along with Orlando and Miami. The Hornets sit ninth in the East, with the Magic eighth and the Heat 10th.

Orlando clung on to that spot as Paolo Banchero scored a team-high 30 points in a 121-117 win over visiting Sacramento, snapping the Magic's six-game losing streak.

Desmond Bane finished with 23 points and Tristan da Silva 18 for Orlando.

In Detroit, Jalen Duren dominated inside with 30 points and 10 rebounds and added seven assists, two blocks and two steals as the Eastern Conference-leading Pistons won for the fifth time in six games by thumping New Orleans 129-108.

Kevin Huerter fired in 22 points, while Daniss Jenkins supplied 19 points and nine assists.

Tobias Harris had 12 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, with Ausar Thompson chipping in with 11 points and three steals.