Hornets Edge Mavericks 123-121, Spoiling Cooper Flagg’s Historic 49-Point Night
01.25-01.29 Final Season Savings (for Southern Hemisphere)
The Charlotte Hornets defeat the Dallas Mavericks 123-121 despite Cooper Flagg’s record-breaking 49-point game. Full recap, key moments, and what it means going forward.
What Happened in the Hornets vs Mavericks Game?
The Charlotte Hornets pulled off a dramatic 123-121 road win over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night, overcoming a historic performance from teenage sensation Cooper Flagg. Despite Flagg’s jaw-dropping 49 points—the most ever scored by a teenager in an NBA game—the Hornets executed late when it mattered most.
Kon Knueppel led Charlotte with a career-high 34 points, including two clutch free throws with 4.1 seconds remaining that ultimately sealed the victory. The game marked the first NBA matchup between former Duke freshmen roommates Knueppel and Flagg, adding another layer of intrigue to an already electric night.
Why This Game Matters
While Flagg’s scoring outburst made headlines, the Hornets’ win told a bigger story about team balance and composure. Flagg broke a long-standing NBA record previously held by Cliff Robinson, who scored 45 points at age 19 in 1980. At just 19 years old, Flagg showcased elite scoring ability, efficiency, and rebounding, finishing with 20 made field goals on 29 attempts and 10 rebounds.
However, basketball is still a team sport. Charlotte’s ability to spread the scoring and stay poised in crunch time proved decisive. The Hornets have now won five straight games—their longest winning streak in nearly two years—signaling real momentum as the season progresses.
Where the Game Was Decided
The final seconds told the story. With the score tied and under 10 seconds left, Flagg threw an errant pass near midcourt that Knueppel intercepted. Knueppel drove to the basket and drew a foul from Flagg as the ball wedged between the rim and backboard. Calm under pressure, Knueppel sank both free throws.
Flagg’s last-second attempt to force overtime rattled off the back rim, ending the Mavericks’ hopes and capping a tense finish in Dallas.
When Key Moments Shifted Momentum
Charlotte’s three-point shooting played a critical role throughout the game. Knueppel knocked down eight three-pointers, setting a Hornets rookie record. LaMelo Ball added 22 points with six triples, while Brandon Miller contributed 23 points, extending his streak of 20-point games to nine.
Dallas struggled to keep pace late, losing their third straight home game after recently posting a four-game winning streak. Klay Thompson scored 16 points off the bench but shot inconsistently from deep.
How This Impacts Both Teams Going Forward
The Hornets completed a rare road back-to-back sweep and will look to continue their momentum at home against San Antonio. The Mavericks, meanwhile, head to Houston searching for answers after being swept in a home back-to-back.
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