​Rookie Of The Year Race Intensifies As Improved Hornets Beat The Mavs In A Thrilling Ending

On a night defined by rookie brilliance, the Charlotte Hornets extended their winning streak to five with an impressive victory over the Dallas Mavericks. However, the story of the game centred on two former college teammates. Kon Kneuppel and Cooper Flagg both delivered impressive performances that could reshape the Rookie of the Year race.

Kneuppel dramatically sealed the win for Charlotte. In the closing moments, he forced Flagg into a turnover, then drew a foul and calmly converted both free throws. The sequence capped a standout night in which Kneuppel achieved a career-high 34 points.

Despite Charlotte’s victory, Flagg delivered the most eye-catching stat line. The Mavericks rookie exploded for a career-high 49 points and added 10 rebounds. His performance may well push him ahead of Kneuppel in the Rookie of the Year ladder.

Kon Kneuppel

Kneuppel played a central role in extending Charlotte’s winning run. He set the tone early, scoring 12 points in the first quarter and helping the Hornets build a 13-point lead. When the game tightened late, he delivered again, scoring the decisive points with just 4.1 seconds remaining. Embed from Getty Images

This season, Kneuppel has proven invaluable to the Hornets. As a result, he has regularly featured at the top of the Rookie of the Year rankings. Charlotte now sits 11th in the Eastern Conference and continues to push toward the Play-In places.

The Hornets are currently on the joint-longest winning streak in the NBA at five games. With a 21–28 record, they have already surpassed last season’s win total. Improved fitness has contributed to that progress, but Kneuppel’s impact cannot be overstated.

The rookie is averaging 18.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. Beyond scoring, he has emerged as a strong rebounder and an elite floor spacer. His presence has created easier scoring opportunities for LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Miles Bridges. Kneuppel has filled several gaps that plagued Charlotte last season and looks like a natural fit within the roster.

Cooper Flagg

While Kneuppel delivered the winning plays, Flagg stole the spotlight. The 19-year-old showcased poise beyond his years, recording a double-double with 49 points and 10 rebounds. Even in defeat, he edged the individual battle with a performance that demanded attention. Embed from Getty Images

Flagg continues to carry a depleted Mavericks side. With key players sidelined, he has shouldered responsibility and kept Dallas competitive while playing out of position.

The Mavericks currently sit 12th in the Western Conference with a 19-29 record. Since Luka Dončić’s trade to the Lakers, Dallas has endured a turbulent period, further complicated by injuries to Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis. Despite this, Flagg has continued to shine.

Naturally a forward, Flagg has been asked to operate as a point guard while Irving remains unavailable. Despite the adjustment, he is averaging 19.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. His ability to contribute on both ends of the floor strengthens his case to sit atop the Rookie of the Year ladder after this performance.

ROTY Race Tightens at the Midway Point

As the season approaches its halfway mark, the Rookie of the Year race remains razor-thin. Kneuppel and Flagg have clearly separated themselves from the rest of the class, and neither shows signs of slowing down.

Many entered the season viewing Flagg as the clear favourite. However, Kneuppel’s consistency has kept him near the top of the ladder for much of the year. Night after night, he delivers efficient scoring, smart off-ball movement, and timely plays in high-pressure moments.

Historically, the NBA has awarded a shared Rookie of the Year only three times. Dave Cowens and Geoff Petrie split the honour in 1970-71. Grant Hill and Jason Kidd followed in 1994-95, before Elton Brand and Steve Francis shared the award in 1999-2000.

Could history repeat itself in the 2025-26 season? Embed from Getty Images

A co-Rookie of the Year outcome would feel fitting. Kneuppel and Flagg are close friends, former college teammates, and now rivals, pushing each other to new heights. With half the season still to play, the race remains wide open. The only question is whether this battle ends in a rare tie or if one rookie eventually pulls clear to claim the award outright.

Below, you can watch the tense ending of the Charlotte Hornets vs Dallas Mavericks: