In a thrilling matchup between former Duke teammates, Cooper Flagg scored a record 49 points as a teenager, but the Dallas Mavericks fell 123-121 to the Charlotte Hornets. Kon Knueppel added 34 points, including the game-winning free throws, in a career-high performance. The game highlighted an intense Rookie of the Year race between the two star rookies.
On Thursday, January 30, 2026, at American Airlines Center in Dallas, the Mavericks hosted the Hornets in a game that showcased the talents of rookies Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, who were roommates and teammates at Duke last season. Flagg, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, erupted for 49 points on 20-of-29 shooting, setting an NBA record for the most points by a teenager and breaking the Mavericks' single-game rookie scoring mark previously shared with Mark Aguirre, whose jersey was retired at halftime.
Knueppel, selected fourth overall, countered with 34 points on 10-of-16 field goals, including eight 3-pointers—a new Hornets rookie franchise record—and sealed the victory with two free throws after being fouled by Flagg with 4.1 seconds left. Flagg had tied the score at 121 with a clutch 3-pointer moments earlier but missed a potential tying 20-foot jumper at the buzzer. The duo combined for 83 points, the third-most by any rookie pair in NBA history and the most by opposing rookies from the same college in over 50 years.
Flagg, who turned 19 in December, started slowly with 1-for-4 shooting in the first quarter but exploded for 23 points in the second, including 8-of-9 from the field. He has been carrying a heavy load for the injury-plagued Mavericks, missing stars like Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, and is averaging 19.5 points on 48% shooting. Knueppel, 20 since August, benefited from plays set up by LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, averaging 18.9 points on 48% field goal and 42% from 3-point range.
"Mark Aguirre is special. Such a special night for him and the whole organization," Flagg said. "Cooper, he played like the best player we've played all season," Knueppel responded. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd called it history: "You saw history at halftime, and we got to see a young man play the game at a very high level." Flagg referred to Knueppel as his "brother for life," noting they'll reminisce about the night for years. The loss marked Dallas's third straight defeat, while Charlotte extended its winning streak to five.
Flagg is the slight favorite for Rookie of the Year at -500 odds, with Knueppel at +340, setting up a compelling race with their rematch on March 3 in Charlotte.
