UPDATE: In a historic showdown on January 25, 2024, at the American Airlines Center, rookie sensation Cooper Flagg scored a staggering 49 points, marking the highest point total by a teenager in NBA history. However, it was Kon Knueppel who clinched the game for the Charlotte Hornets with a late-game performance that led to a 123-121 victory against the Dallas Mavericks.
This thrilling matchup, the first NBA duel between the frontrunners for the Rookie of the Year award, captivated fans and will surely be a topic of conversation for years to come. Flagg’s performance broke a rookie record he previously shared with Mavericks legend Mark Aguirre, who had his No. 24 jersey retired during the game.
Knueppel, the No. 4 overall pick, finished with 34 points and made crucial plays in the dying moments, including a game-winning free throw after drawing a foul on Flagg. With only 7.6 seconds left, Knueppel forced a turnover from Flagg, showcasing the intense competition between the two former college teammates.
“Just a crazy ending to a phenomenal game,” Knueppel stated postgame. “He was the best player on the floor tonight… it’s just fun competing against the best.”
The stakes were high as both players entered the game with the best odds to win Rookie of the Year, according to DraftKings, creating immense anticipation among fans. Flagg and Knueppel became the first college teammates to each score at least 30 points against each other as rookies, combining for a remarkable 83 points. This figure marks the highest combined score by rookies in a game since Tiny Archibald and Pete Maravich achieved 91 points in 1971.
“It’s incredible to compete against my college roommate for Rookie of the Year,” Flagg commented. “We’ll both be looking back on this night for the rest of our lives.”
Despite the record-setting night for Flagg, Knueppel remained focused on the win. “An award like that is cool, but whoever gets it, I’ll be happy for him,” he said, highlighting the importance of team success over individual accolades.
Knueppel’s performance was historic as well; he set a franchise rookie record with eight three-pointers on just 12 attempts. He ignited the game with a hot start, sinking his first three long-range shots within the opening minutes.
Flagg, who moved ahead in the rookie scoring race with an average of 19.5 points per game, found his rhythm late in the second quarter, scoring 23 points in that frame alone. He joined elite company as only the third teenager in NBA history to record multiple 40-point games, alongside legends LeBron James and Anthony Edwards.
Despite Flagg’s incredible shooting efficiency—20-of-29 from the field and 3-of-5 from three—he took responsibility for the game’s final moments. “I’m learning still end-of-game situations… I have to be better,” he admitted.
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.” Flagg’s focus remains on improvement and helping his team win, despite his record-breaking performance.
This unforgettable game not only highlighted the talents of two rising stars but also set the stage for an exciting Rookie of the Year race in the NBA. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the season progresses. What happens next for Flagg and Knueppel as they continue their rookie campaigns? Stay tuned for updates as the competition intensifies.
