Although many rookies have shown promise this season, the battle for Rookie of the Year is likely to come down to Cooper Flagg, the Dallas Mavericks’ first overall pick, and Kon Knueppel, the Charlotte Hornets’ fourth overall pick.
All season, Flagg and Knueppel have traded places atop the NBA’s rookie rankings, and it’s easy to see why.
Thursday night marked their first showdown of the season, and it did not disappoint as the two erupted in a 123-121 Hornets victory.
AllSportsPeople has everything you need to know about Flagg and Knueppel’s historic clash.
Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel game stats
Flagg scored a career-high 49 points, setting the record for the most points scored in an NBA game by a teenager—a record previously held by Mark Aguirre, whose jersey was coincidentally retired by the Mavericks at halftime.
Knueppel also had a career night, posting 34 points, including eight 3-pointers and two clutch free throws, leading the Hornets to a 123-121 victory.
History was made tonight ⭐️
— NBA (@NBA) January 30, 2026
Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel are the first pair of opposing rookies that went to the same college to each drop 30+ points in the same game.
The two combined for 83 points... The most of any two opposing rookies in over 50 years 🤯 https://t.co/jbnHVgDSQ2 pic.twitter.com/mJwscMiFXt
This was a historic moment in the NBA, as it was the first time two rookies had ever faced off and both scored 30 or more points. However, this was not the only notable historical aspect of this game.
Only one game in NBA history has seen two players (teammates or opponents) combine for:
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) January 30, 2026
80+ points
10+ threes made
65% FG shooting
100% FT shooting
2 or fewer turnovers
That one game was tonight between Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel - two rookies under 21 from the same college. Pic.twitter.com/Qrugvu1rjp
Cooper Flagg statline
| PTS | FG | 3PT | FT | REB | AST |
| 49 | 20-29 (68%) | 3-5 (60%) | 6-6 (100%) | 10 | 3 |
Kon Knueppel statline
| PTS | FG | 3PT | FT | REB | AST |
| 34 | 10-16 (62%) | 8-12 (66%) | 6-6 (100%) | 4 | 3 |
Cooper Flagg–Kon Knueppel relationship
It was an unforgettable experience for Flagg and Knueppel, not only because they achieved a career high, but also because they shared a truly special NBA moment with a dear friend and former roommate at Duke.
Flagg reflected on this moment in his post-game press conference.
Cooper Flagg speaks on facing former teammate, roommate and other favorite of the ROTY, Kon Knueppel.
— Abby Jones (@_abigaiiiil) January 30, 2026
“It’s incredible [to compete against him]. I think it’s pretty well know he was my roommate last year. Just to have a night like this with him. I know how special he is and how… pic.twitter.com/c5URWJm71g
Cooper Flagg vs. Kon Knueppel season stats
Flagg season averages
| Season | Team | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | BLK | STL | PTS |
| 2025-26 | DAL | 48.2% | 29% | 80.1% | 6.5 | 4.1 | 0.8 | 1.3 | 19.5 |
Knueppel season averages
| Season | Team | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | BLK | STL | PTS |
| 2025-26 | CHA | 48.6% | 42.9% | 90% | 5.4 | 3.6 | 0.2 | 0.7 | 18.9 |
Cooper Flagg vs. Kon Knueppel Duke stats
Flagg season averages
| Season | Team | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | BLK | STL | PTS |
| 2024-25 | Duke | 48.1% | 38.5% | 84.0% | 7.5 | 4.2 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 19.2 |
Knueppel season averages
| Season | Team | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | BLK | STL | PTS |
| 2024-25 | Duke | 47.9% | 40.6% | 91.4% | 4.0 | 2.7 | 0.2 | 1.0 | 14.4 |
How old is Cooper Flagg?
Flagg, only 19 years old, truly embodies the image of a top prospect and has already shown himself to be an important part of the Mavericks team.
After an impressive first year at Duke in 2024-25, during which he was widely recognized as the top prospect, Flagg announced his entry into the 2025 NBA Draft.
How old is Kon Knueppel?
Knueppel, meanwhile, is just one year older than Flagg. Like his former teammate, he was also a “one-and-done” at Duke.
Knueppel is undeniably impressive, poised to become a historic shooter and a standout star for the Hornets.