Hornets Edge Mavericks 123–121 as Kon Knueppel Tops Cooper Flagg’s Historic Night
In one of the most exciting NBA games of the season on January 29, 2026, the Charlotte Hornets held off the Dallas Mavericks 123–121 in a dramatic contest that featured stellar performances from two rising rookie stars.
The game was highlighted by Cooper Flagg’s historic night for the Mavericks, as the No. 1 overall pick poured in a career-high 49 points — the most ever by an NBA teenager — along with 10 rebounds in a stellar effort. Flagg’s scoring barrage included efficient production inside the paint and marked him as one of the most electrifying young talents in the league.
Despite Flagg’s remarkable scoring and double-double, it was Kon Knueppel of the Hornets — the No. 4 overall pick — who delivered the key plays down the stretch. Knueppel scored 34 points, including a franchise-rookie record eight three-pointers, and drew a foul with under 10 seconds left that allowed him to hit the decisive free throws in the closing moments.
The final sequence unfolded with the score tied at 121–121. Knueppel deflected a pass from Flagg with about 7.6 seconds remaining, forcing a turnover and giving Charlotte the last shot. After being fouled in transition, he calmly sank both clutch free throws — the difference in the final score.
The Hornets’ win marked their fifth straight victory, boosting confidence for the young roster. Supporting contributions came from Brandon Miller (23 points) and LaMelo Ball (22 points), who helped keep Charlotte competitive throughout the full 48 minutes.
For Dallas, Klay Thompson provided veteran scoring with 16 points off the bench, but the Mavericks couldn’t quite contain the Hornets’ hot three-point shooting and late-game execution.
The matchup was also notable for the rarity of seeing two standout rookie stars — former Duke teammates — put on such a memorable offensive display. Flagg’s performance, including 20 made field goals and efficient shooting, showed his massive potential, while Knueppel’s ability to rise in crunch time highlighted his own promising future.
Even though Flagg’s late jumper to tie the game at the buzzer rimmed out, the performance further cemented his place among elite young scorers in the league’s history.
