Hornets Edge Mavericks in Rookie Showdown as Flagg Erupts, Knueppel Answers, and Charlotte Stays Hot
Heading into their matchup with the Dallas Mavericks, Kon Knueppel knew exactly what kind of night he was in for. Cooper Flagg wasn’t just any opponent - he was a former Duke teammate, a close friend, and now, a rising NBA star with a game that’s already turning heads across the league. Knueppel said it best before tipoff: “It should be a good challenge for us tonight.”
That challenge? Flagg dropped a career-high 49 points in a performance that was as electric as it was relentless. But despite the fireworks from the Mavericks’ rookie phenom, it was the Charlotte Hornets who walked away with the win - their fifth straight - in a 123-121 thriller that showed just how far this young team has come.
A Rookie Duel for the Ages
This one had all the makings of a marquee rookie showdown, and it didn’t disappoint. Knueppel came out firing, hitting four of his five shots in the first quarter - all from beyond the arc - to put up 12 points and help Charlotte race out to a 33-20 lead. Brandon Miller added 10 in the opening frame, and the Hornets looked poised to run away with it early.
But then came Flagg.
The Mavericks rookie erupted in the second quarter, scoring 23 points on 8-of-9 shooting. He was everywhere - off the dribble, in transition, pulling up from deep. By halftime, Dallas had cut the deficit to just one, trailing 59-58, and Flagg had already made it clear: this wasn’t going to be a quiet night.
Charlotte tried throwing different looks at him in the second half, but nothing stuck. Flagg poured in another 24 points after the break, finishing with 49 in total - a scoring clinic that will be remembered as one of the most jaw-dropping rookie performances of the season.
Knueppel Answers the Call
While Flagg was lighting up the scoreboard, Knueppel quietly put together a stellar night of his own. He finished with 34 points and drilled eight three-pointers - a new Hornets rookie record, breaking the previous mark set by P.J.
Washington, now with the Mavs. He was one shy of tying the all-time rookie record for threes in a game.
But Knueppel’s biggest moment came in the game’s final seconds.
With the score tied and Dallas looking to take the lead, Flagg tried to thread a pass that Knueppel read perfectly. He jumped the lane, deflected the ball, and after a hustle save from fellow Duke alum Sion James, Knueppel drew a foul on Flagg and calmly knocked down both free throws to give Charlotte a 123-121 edge.
Flagg had one last shot to force overtime, but his contested jumper missed the mark, and the Hornets held on.
Team Ball Wins the Day
Flagg may have won the individual battle, but Charlotte won the war - and they did it with a total team effort.
LaMelo Ball came alive in the second half, scoring 17 of his 22 points after the break while dishing out nine assists. Miller extended his streak of 20-point games to nine, continuing to show why he’s becoming a reliable offensive pillar. And Miles Bridges turned in one of the most well-rounded performances of the night, finishing with 17 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists - not to mention playing strong defense on Flagg during the final possession.
This wasn’t just about one player going off. It was about a team that’s learning how to win in different ways - whether it’s riding the hot hand, locking in defensively, or closing out tight games under pressure.
The Hive Is Buzzing
There’s something brewing in Charlotte. This win, their fifth in a row, wasn’t just another checkmark in the standings. It was a statement - that this young Hornets squad has the talent, the chemistry, and the resilience to compete with anyone, even when a rookie across the court drops 49 on them.
Knueppel and Flagg may be friends off the court, but on this night, they gave us one of the most entertaining rookie duels we’ve seen in a long time. And when the dust settled, it was the Hornets who proved that depth, balance, and trust in each other can outshine even the brightest individual star.
Keep an eye on the Hive. This team’s not just fun - they’re figuring out how to win.