Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel: NBA Star Showdown
Basketball fans experienced a memorable night, especially those who witnessed the exciting match between Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, two of the leading candidates for Rookie of the Year, at the American Airlines Center. Flagg, the first draft pick, dazzled with a historic performance, scoring 49 points, the most in NBA history for a teenager. This record surpassed the rookie record of the Dallas Mavericks shared with Mark Aguirre, whose number 24 was retired in a ceremony during halftime. However, Knueppel, selected at number 4, was not far behind, scoring 34 points and making crucial plays in the final moments that secured the Charlotte Hornets’ 123-121 victory, extending their winning streak to five consecutive games. Knueppel forced a turnover from Flagg with 7.6 seconds left and made the decisive free throws after being fouled by his friend in transition. Flagg’s last-second shot attempt bounced off the rim, sealing the Hornets’ victory.The match generated great expectation, as both players were considered favorites for the Rookie of the Year award according to the betting houses. Flagg and Knueppel lived up to expectations, becoming the first former college teammates to score at least 30 points each in a rookie game. According to records, their combined 83 points are the most by a rookie duo in a game since Tiny Archibald and Pete Maravich scored 91 in 1971.“It was an incredible ending to a phenomenal game,” Knueppel commented. “He was the best player on the court tonight. He’s the best player we’ve played against this season. It’s fun to compete against the best, and obviously, being close to him adds competitiveness. It was a lot of fun.”
Kon Knueppel
Knueppel acknowledged that his chance of winning the award might have been affected by Flagg’s outstanding performance. Knueppel, with an effective field goal percentage of 61.1%, the best by a rookie with that many points, made 10 of 16 field goals and set a Hornets franchise record with eight three-pointers on 12 attempts. Flagg, who now leads rookies in scoring with 19.5 points per game, had an explosive second quarter with 23 points. By the end of the third quarter, he had already reached 40 points, joining LeBron James and Anthony Edwards as the only teenagers in NBA history with multiple 40-point performances. In the final moments, the Hornets implemented a strategy to prevent Flagg from being the hero, doubling the mark and forcing the ball out of his hands. Knueppel, with timely defense, deflected Flagg’s pass, and his former Duke teammate, Sion James, recovered the ball for Knueppel, initiating a counterattack. Hornets coach Charles Lee praised Knueppel for his defensive effort and his instinct for executing the key play. Flagg, the youngest player in the league at 19 years old, took responsibility for the lack of execution in the decisive moments. Flagg finished with 20 of 29 field goals, becoming the first rookie with at least 20 field goals made since Milwaukee’s Brandon Jennings scored 21 in his 55-point performance in November 2009. Flagg hit 3 of 5 three-pointers, but most of his scoring was in the paint, with 28 points. Mavs coach Jason Kidd highlighted Flagg’s mentality, who prioritizes wins and losses.“It’s incredible,” Flagg said about competing with Knueppel for the Rookie of the Year award. “I wouldn’t want to be in any other position. We’ll both remember tonight and this year in general for the rest of our lives, and we’ll talk about it. It’s very special to have this opportunity.”
Cooper Flagg
