In a thrilling NBA showdown that showcased both rising stars and historic milestones, the Charlotte Hornets secured a narrow 123–121 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday evening, January 29, 2026, with the game concluding in the early hours of Friday, January 30, Philippine time. The Associated Press reported that the contest was defined by a dramatic finish and a record-setting performance from a teenage phenom.
Knueppel's Career Night and Clutch Heroics
KON Knueppel emerged as the hero for the Hornets, delivering a career-best 34 points in a performance that included precision shooting and ice-cold nerves under pressure. With the score deadlocked at 121–121 and merely seven seconds remaining on the clock, Knueppel intercepted an errant pass from his former Duke teammate, Cooper Flagg, near midcourt. He aggressively drove to the basket, drawing a crucial foul from Flagg as the ball became lodged between the rim and the backboard.
Knueppel calmly sank both free throws with only 4.1 seconds left, sealing the victory for Charlotte. His remarkable night also featured eight three-pointers, setting a new rookie record for the Hornets franchise. This win extended Charlotte's winning streak to five consecutive games, marking their longest such run since February 2023.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
Brandon Miller provided significant support for the Hornets, contributing 23 points. This marked his ninth straight game scoring at least 20 points, underscoring his consistent offensive production. LaMelo Ball added 22 points to the effort, including six three-pointers, helping to fuel Charlotte's offensive firepower throughout the contest.
Flagg's Historic Scoring Explosion
Despite the loss, Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks stole headlines with a phenomenal individual performance. The 19-year-old sensation erupted for 49 points, setting a new NBA record for the most points scored in a single game by a teenager. He surpassed the previous mark of 45 points, which was established by Cliff Robinson for the New Jersey Nets against the Detroit Pistons on March 9, 1980.
Flagg also achieved career highs by making 20 field goals on 29 attempts and grabbing 10 rebounds, recording a double-double in the process. His desperation heave at the final buzzer, however, bounced off the back rim, ending Dallas' valiant comeback attempt and leaving his historic night bittersweet.
Mavericks' Struggles Continue
The loss extended a frustrating slide for the Mavericks, who have now dropped three consecutive games—all played at home—after enjoying a season-best four-game winning streak. Klay Thompson came off the bench to score 16 points for Dallas, connecting on four of his 11 attempts from beyond the three-point arc. The team's inability to close out games has become a concerning trend as they navigate the mid-season schedule.
Notable Context and Halftime Tribute
This matchup marked the first NBA meeting between Knueppel and Flagg, who were freshman teammates at Duke University during the 2024–25 college basketball season. Their reunion on the professional stage added an extra layer of narrative to an already compelling game.
During halftime, the Dallas Mavericks honored franchise legend Mark Aguirre by retiring his jersey number. Aguirre, the team's only previous No. 1 overall draft pick, became the fifth player in Mavericks history to receive this prestigious honor, celebrating his contributions to the organization.
Around the League: Other NBA Results
In other NBA action from the same night, several teams secured important victories. The Washington Wizards defeated the Milwaukee Bucks with a final score of 109–99, while the Philadelphia 76ers edged out the Sacramento Kings in a close 113–111 contest. The Houston Rockets cruised past the Atlanta Hawks 104–86, and the Miami Heat topped the Chicago Bulls 116–113.
Additionally, the Phoenix Suns beat the Detroit Pistons 114–96, the Denver Nuggets held off the Brooklyn Nets 107–103, and the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 123–111. These results highlight the competitive nature of the league as teams jockey for playoff positioning.
The Hornets completed a successful sweep of a road back-to-back set, demonstrating resilience and teamwork. In contrast, the Mavericks were swept in their home back-to-back, emphasizing the challenges they currently face in front of their home crowd.
