Hornets’ win over Mavs featured very best of Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel

Every so often, the NBA accidentally stumbles into a moment that feels bigger than the standings.

The Hornets visiting the Mavericks on a random Thursday night was supposed to be just another game.

Instead, it turned into the first chapter of what might become a long running rivalry between Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, former Duke roommates now trying to outdo each other on the professional stage.

And yes, Charlotte’s 123-121 win was absurd in the best way.

Flagg poured in 49 points. Forty-nine. As a teenager. He set the NBA record for most points in a game by a teen, passing Cliff Robinson’s mark from 1980.

He shot 20 of 29 from the field, pulled down 10 rebounds, and looked like a future face of the league playing in fast forward.

And somehow, he still lost.

Because Knueppel had his own statement to make.

The Hornets rookie erupted for a career-high 34 points, drilled eight three pointers, and hit the game-winning free throws with 4.1 seconds left after picking off Flagg near midcourt.

Cold-blooded. Clutch. A little ruthless. Exactly how rivalries are born.

Flagg nearly forced overtime, but his buzzer beater hit the back rim. Close enough to hurt. Close enough to feel cinematic.

This was the first NBA meeting between two former Duke freshmen who already look destined for repeat matchups that matter. If this was the opener, the sequel is going to draw a crowd.

So no, this did not feel like a random regular-season game.

It felt like the start of something bigger.

And the league should lean into that.