Hornets Spoil Flagg’s Record-Breaking Performance in Thrilling 123-121 Victory Over Mavericks
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A stunning performance by Cooper Flagg, including a new NBA record for points scored by a teenager, wasn’t enough to prevent the Charlotte Hornets from securing a 123-121 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night. The win marks the Hornets’ fifth consecutive victory, while the Mavericks suffer their third straight loss at home.
Flagg Makes History, But Falls Short
Cooper Flagg, who turned 19 in December, etched his name into the NBA record books with a remarkable 49-point outing. This achievement surpasses the previous record of 45 points scored by Cliff Robinson at age 19 for the New Jersey Nets against the Detroit Pistons on March 9, 1980. Flagg also showcased his all-around game, grabbing 10 rebounds and converting a career-high 20 field goals on 29 attempts.
Knueppel’s Clutch Performance Seals the Deal
Despite Flagg’s historic night, it was Kon Knueppel who proved to be the hero for the Hornets. With the score tied and 4.1 seconds remaining, Knueppel calmly sank two free throws to secure the win, finishing the game with a career-high 34 points. He also set a new Hornets rookie record with eight 3-pointers. A pivotal moment occurred with seven seconds left when Knueppel intercepted an errant pass from Flagg near midcourt, drove to the basket, and drew a foul. “It was a heads-up play by Knueppel to capitalize on the turnover,” one analyst noted. Flagg’s desperation shot at the buzzer bounced off the back of the basket, sealing the Mavericks’ fate.
Hornets Streaking, Mavericks Stumbling
The Hornets’ victory extends their winning streak to five games – their longest since a similar run in February 2023. Brandon Miller contributed 23 points, continuing his impressive streak of scoring at least 20 points in nine consecutive games. LaMelo added 22 points, including six 3-pointers, bolstering the Hornets’ offensive attack.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks have now lost three straight games, all on their home court, following a season-best four-game winning streak. Klay Thompson provided 16 points off the bench for Dallas, but shot just 4 of 11 from 3-point range. The contrasting fortunes of the two teams were stark: the Hornets swept through their recent road games, while the Mavericks were swept in their recent home contests.
Duke Connection and Jersey Retirement
The game marked the first NBA meeting between Knueppel and Flagg, both incoming freshmen at Duke University for the 2024-25 season. During halftime, the Mavericks honored Mark Aguirre, the franchise’s first-ever recruit following their inaugural season in 1980-81, by retiring his jersey – becoming the fifth player to receive this honor.
