Hornets Survive Flagg’s Historic Night, Win Fifth Straight in Rookie Showdown for the Ages
Final: Hornets 123, Mavericks 121
In a game that had all the makings of an instant classic, the Charlotte Hornets walked into Dallas and left with their fifth straight win, outlasting the Mavericks 123-121 in a thriller that will be remembered as the night two rookies lit up the league.
This wasn’t just a game-it was a statement. A coming-out party for two of the NBA’s brightest young stars, and a showcase of resilience from a Hornets team that’s quietly become one of the hottest squads in basketball.
Rookie of the Year Battle Delivers Fireworks
Let’s start with the headline: Kon Knueppel vs. Cooper Flagg.
Two rookies. One stage.
And they both delivered in ways that felt almost scripted.
Knueppel poured in 34 points on a blistering 10-of-16 from the field and 8-of-12 from deep-breaking the Hornets' rookie record for three-pointers in a game, previously held by P.J. Washington. He was fearless, stepping into shots with confidence, playing with poise well beyond his years, and ultimately knocking down the game-winning free throws with ice in his veins.
Flagg, on the other hand, was transcendent. The Mavericks’ teenager erupted for 49 points and 10 rebounds, setting an NBA record for most points by a player under 20. He was relentless, attacking from everywhere on the floor and carrying Dallas through stretches where their offense stalled.
But in the end, it was Knueppel who had the final say. After the game, he summed it up with a quote that says everything you need to know about this Hornets team right now: “We just played our ass off.”
LaMelo Returns to the Starting Lineup-and Delivers
After easing LaMelo Ball back into action off the bench in recent back-to-backs, the Hornets changed course and started their star guard in this one. The result? A fast start and a 10-point early lead that set the tone.
Ball finished with 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists-just a hair shy of a triple-double-but it was his two-way play in crunch time that stood out. With the Hornets clinging to a lead late, LaMelo drilled a one-legged step-back three over Flagg to make it 116-113.
Then, he turned around and played surprisingly strong isolation defense, including a key stop on P.J. Washington in the final minute.
This version of LaMelo-engaged on both ends, unselfish, and in control-is the engine behind Charlotte’s surge.
Brandon Miller’s Redemption Arc
Brandon Miller had a rocky middle stretch, landing in foul trouble early in the third quarter after a questionable call while guarding Flagg. That fifth foul sent him to the bench for most of the second half, forcing head coach Steve Clifford to reshuffle the rotation.
But Miller stayed ready. With under a minute to play and the game hanging in the balance, he found himself wide open in the corner.
Moussa Diabate hit him with a slick short-roll pass, and Miller calmly buried the three to put Charlotte up 121-118 with 38 seconds left. That’s how you bounce back.
Kon Knueppel: Killer Instinct on Display
What stands out about Knueppel isn’t just the numbers-it’s the mindset. He’s not trying to be cool or coast through possessions.
He competes. He understands the moment and embraces it.
Whether it’s in front of his hometown crowd in Milwaukee or toe-to-toe with the league’s newest phenom in Flagg, Knueppel shows up with the same edge.
He played the entire third quarter while Miller sat, and never let the moment get too big. When Flagg turned the ball over late and then fouled Knueppel with four seconds left, it was Kon who calmly stepped to the line and closed the door.
Team Chemistry and Clutch Execution
This win wasn’t just about the rookies or LaMelo. It was another example of how well this Hornets starting lineup is clicking. Now 11-1 together, this group plays with a cohesion that’s rare for a team still figuring out its identity.
The Hornets didn’t flinch after giving up a lead in the second half. They didn’t let Flagg’s scoring avalanche rattle them. Instead, they made the right plays down the stretch-capitalizing on Dallas’s mistakes, including a wild Flagg pass that was saved by Sion James and turned into a transition opportunity for Knueppel.
Even with tired legs on the second night of a back-to-back, Charlotte played with poise, making just enough plays to escape with a win in one of the toughest road environments in the league.
What’s Next
The Hornets are rolling. Five straight wins, a starting five that’s clicking, and a rookie duo in Knueppel and Miller that’s growing by the game. LaMelo’s return to form adds another layer to this team’s ceiling.
And if this game is any indication, the Rookie of the Year race is going to be must-watch TV the rest of the way. Flagg may have had the record-setting night, but Knueppel walked away with the win-and that might matter just as much when the votes are cast.
One thing’s clear: the Hornets aren’t sneaking up on anyone anymore. They’re here, and they’re coming for more.