History showed up in Dallas on Thursday night, but the loudest moment came after the final buzzer. Cooper Flagg lit up the scoreboard with 49 points on Thursday, the highest total ever by an NBA teenager. Still, the Mavericks rookie did not open his post-game comments by talking about stats. But he talked about Kon Knueppel, his former Duke roommate, who stood on the other side in a game neither of them will forget.
The matchup at American Airlines Center felt personal from the jump. Flagg attacked from all over the floor and added 10 rebounds. Knueppel matched the energy with 34 points and eight three-pointers, then knocked down two free throws with 4.1 seconds left to seal a 123-121 Charlotte Hornets win.
Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel Turn Rookie Battle Into Personal Moment
After the game, Flagg spoke during his post-game media availability in Dallas on Jan. 29 and reflected on the full-circle moment.
“It’s just funny,” Flagg said when asked about playing Knueppel in the NBA for the first time. “I think 10-plus years down the road, I think we’ll both be looking back on this as a pretty special thing… That’s my brother for life.”
Asked Cooper Flagg (49 pts, 10 rebs) about his first showdown with college teammate Kon Knueppel (34 pts, 8 3PTs):
“It’s just funny. I think 10-plus years down the road, I think we’ll both be looking back on this as a pretty special thing…That’s my brother for life.” pic.twitter.com/SELFyagYZp
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) January 30, 2026
That line explains the night better than any stat. This was more than a Rookie of the Year duel. These two shared a dorm at Duke. They pushed each other in practice. Now they headline NBA arenas.
Flagg did not dominate right away. He shot 1 for 4 in the first quarter as Dallas fell behind by 15. Then he flipped the game in the second quarter, pouring in 23 points and reaching 25 by halftime, a season-high first-half mark for a Maverick.
Knueppel answered every run. He hit early threes and never lost confidence. Before tipoff, he told reporters that competing against Flagg would be fun and a serious challenge. He proved it by delivering in the final seconds.
The night also carried franchise meaning. Dallas honored Mark Aguirre at halftime, and Flagg broke Aguirre’s rookie scoring record in the same building on the same night.
That is why the title fits. Flagg made history, but his emotions centered on a friendship that started long before the NBA. The numbers mattered. The bond mattered more.
The duo will face off again on March 3 in Charlotte. Now the Rookie of the Year race comes with respect and a brotherhood that will outlast the season.
