Cooper Flagg Drops 49 in Rookie Duel vs. Kon Knueppel

Former Duke teammates face off for the first time as pros, with Knueppel's Hornets edging Flagg's Mavericks 123-121.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 12:47pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a highly anticipated matchup between former Duke teammates, Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks and Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets went head-to-head in a thrilling NBA game. Flagg had a historic individual performance, scoring 49 points, but Knueppel and the Hornets came away with a narrow 123-121 victory.

Why it matters

The duel between Flagg and Knueppel, two of the league's most promising young stars, generated significant buzz and showcased the incredible talent and development of these two players who were college teammates. The game also had playoff implications, as both teams are fighting for position in the competitive Western Conference.

The details

Flagg, a rookie sensation, put on an offensive masterclass, shooting 62.5% from the field and draining multiple three-pointers. However, Knueppel matched him with 34 points of his own, leading the Hornets to the narrow win. The game came down to the wire, with the Mavericks falling just short of the victory.

  • The game took place on Thursday, January 30, 2026.

The players

Cooper Flagg

A rookie sensation for the Dallas Mavericks, known for his incredible scoring ability and development since his college days at Duke.

Kon Knueppel

A rising star for the Charlotte Hornets, Knueppel was Flagg's former teammate at Duke University.

Dallas Mavericks

An NBA team based in Dallas, Texas, currently fighting for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Charlotte Hornets

An NBA team based in Charlotte, North Carolina, also vying for a playoff position in the competitive Eastern Conference.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It was an incredible game, two former teammates going at it. I'm proud of the way our team fought to get the win, but Cooper really put on a show out there.”

— Kon Knueppel

What’s next

The Mavericks and Hornets are both expected to continue their push for playoff positioning in the coming weeks, with the two teams set to face off again in a highly anticipated rematch on February 15th.

The takeaway

The duel between Flagg and Knueppel showcased the incredible talent and development of these two young stars, and the game's close finish highlighted the competitive nature of the NBA this season. Fans can look forward to more exciting matchups between these two former college teammates as they continue to make their mark in the league.