UPDATE: In a stunning showdown at the American Airlines Center on January 25, 2024, Cooper Flagg made history by scoring an incredible 49 points, the highest ever by a teenager in NBA history. However, it was his college roommate Kon Knueppel who led the Charlotte Hornets to a nail-biting 123-121 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.
The excitement was palpable as these two rookie sensations, Flagg and Knueppel, faced off for the first time in their NBA careers. Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick, shattered the previous Mavericks rookie record he shared with Mark Aguirre. Knueppel, the No. 4 pick, not only scored 34 points but also made critical plays in the dying moments of the game, including forcing a crucial Flagg turnover with just 7.6 seconds left and hitting the game-winning free throws after drawing a foul on Flagg.
“Just a crazy ending to a phenomenal game,” Knueppel said post-game. “He was the best player on the floor tonight. It’s just fun competing against the best.”
As the game concluded, Flagg’s last-second jumper bounced off the rim, sealing the Hornets’ fifth consecutive win. Both players entered the matchup as frontrunners for the Rookie of the Year award, generating buzz among fans and analysts alike.
According to DraftKings, Flagg had the best odds at -400, while Knueppel stood at +280. Their combined total of 83 points marks the highest joint score by rookies since Tiny Archibald and Pete Maravich netted 91 points in 1971.
Flagg reflected on the significance of this game, stating, “I wouldn’t want to be in any other position. We’ll both be looking back on this night for the rest of our lives.”
Knueppel, who set a franchise rookie record with eight 3-pointers on 12 attempts, acknowledged Flagg’s impressive performance but remained focused on the team’s success. “I’m just glad we got the win. That matters more to me than anything else,” he said.
Flagg’s shooting was remarkable, finishing with 20-of-29 from the floor and becoming the first rookie since Brandon Jennings in 2009 to score at least 20 buckets in a game. His scoring included 28 points in the paint and 3-of-5 from beyond the arc.
Despite the loss, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd praised Flagg’s mindset, stating, “For a young man who thinks that way, he’s going to be a champion sooner than later.”
As both players look forward to the remainder of the season, the focus will remain on their competition for the Rookie of the Year title. With Flagg’s record-breaking night, the pressure is on Knueppel as they continue to inspire fans and fellow players alike.
Stay tuned for further updates on their performances and the unfolding NBA season.
