Knueppel, Hornets Defeat Flagg, Mavs in Thrilling Rookie Clash
DALLAS — The American Airlines Center witnessed an extraordinary showdown between two rising NBA stars on January 29, 2026. This thrilling contest featured Cooper Flagg, the first overall pick, and Kon Knueppel, the fourth overall pick. Both players are frontrunners for the Rookie of the Year award, making this matchup highly anticipated.
Flagg Breaks Records
Flagg delivered a historic performance, scoring 49 points, which ranks as the highest number of points ever recorded by a teenager in NBA history. This feat exceeded the previous rookie record of the Dallas Mavericks, which he had shared with Mark Aguirre. Aguirre’s No. 24 jersey was retired in a halftime ceremony, further adding to the game’s significance.
Knueppel Leads Hornets to Victory
Although Flagg excelled, Knueppel led the Charlotte Hornets to a narrow 123-121 victory. He scored 34 points and made decisive plays in the final moments, including crucial free throws that sealed the win. Knueppel also forced Flagg into a critical turnover with just 7.6 seconds left on the clock.
Historic Rookie Showdown
This game marked the first time in NBA history that two college teammates each scored over 30 points while facing off as rookies. Their combined score of 83 points is a record for rookies, surpassing the previous mark set by Tiny Archibald and Pete Maravich in 1971.
Word from the Players
Post-game, both players reflected on their performances. Flagg stated, “This is a special opportunity. We’ll be talking about this night for the rest of our lives.” Meanwhile, Knueppel acknowledged that Flagg’s record-setting night might affect his own Rookie of the Year hopes. He added, “We both want to win, but the victory tonight matters most.”
Significant Statistics
- Cooper Flagg: 49 points, 10 rebounds, 20-of-29 shooting, 3-of-5 from 3-point range.
- Kon Knueppel: 34 points, 8 3-pointers (Hornets rookie record), 10-of-16 shooting.
- Combined rookie points: 83, the highest since 1971.
Future Implications
Flagg currently averages 19.5 points per game, while Knueppel’s season average stands at 18.9 points with an impressive effective field goal percentage of 61.1%. Their rivalry is expected to continue as they both strive for the Rookie of the Year title.
As both players develop and face similar challenges ahead, their competition will not only shape their careers but also provide thrilling narratives in the ongoing NBA season.
