Star Rookies Flagg and Knueppel Set Career Highs in Duel

Mavericks' Flagg scores 49 points, but Hornets' Knueppel hits game-winning free throws in thriller.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 11:31pm

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In a highly anticipated matchup between top NBA rookie prospects, Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks and Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets both set career highs in points. Flagg scored 49 points, the most ever by a Mavericks rookie, but Knueppel hit two free throws with 4.1 seconds left to give the Hornets a 123-121 victory.

Why it matters

The duel between Flagg and Knueppel, who were teammates at Duke last season, showcased the immense talent of the two young stars and their budding rivalry as they compete for Rookie of the Year honors. The game also marked a special night for the Mavericks as they retired the jersey of franchise legend Mark Aguirre.

The details

Flagg's 49 points broke the Mavericks' single-game scoring record for a rookie, previously held by Aguirre. Knueppel also had a career night, hitting 8 three-pointers and scoring 34 points. The game came down to the final seconds, with Knueppel deflecting Flagg's potential game-winning pass and then hitting the game-winning free throws.

  • Flagg scored 42 points in a Dec. 15 loss to the Utah Jazz, tying Aguirre's franchise rookie record.
  • The Mavericks raised Aguirre's number to the rafters in a pregame ceremony on January 30, 2026.

The players

Cooper Flagg

A 19-year-old rookie guard for the Dallas Mavericks, who broke the franchise's single-game scoring record for a first-year player with 49 points.

Kon Knueppel

A 20-year-old rookie guard for the Charlotte Hornets, who scored a career-high 34 points and hit the game-winning free throws against his former Duke teammate Flagg.

Mark Aguirre

A Dallas Mavericks franchise legend who had his jersey retired by the team in a pregame ceremony.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the immense talent and budding rivalry between two of the NBA's most promising young stars, Flagg and Knueppel, as they compete for Rookie of the Year honors. It also marked a special night for the Mavericks franchise as they honored one of their all-time greats, Mark Aguirre.