Cooper Flagg exploded for his NBA career-high 49 points in a showdown with fellow rookie Kon Knueppel.
On any other night, Kon Knueppel’s 34 points would have been the story.
And in going up against his former Duke teammate Cooper Flagg, Knueppel and the Charlotte Hornets pulled off a big-time 123-121 win over the Dallas Mavericks.
In the Mavs uniform, Flagg ensured he won the individual battle, posting a huge 49 points with 20-29 field goals.
While the Mavs continue to look doomed this season, Flagg is a major high point, and his rookie season is now even exceeding expectations.
Praise for Cooper Flagg
Cooper Flagg was already hailed as the brightest NBA prospect since LeBron James before he entered the league.
His big-time performance in the Mavericks loss only served to underline his talent.
NBA insider Brian Windhorst is excited about Flagg’s talent, but he is most impressed by his mindset.
Speaking to First Take, Windhorst said: “What blows me away about Cooper Flagg, and you saw it in this game, because even though he had 49 points, he was furious when he lost this game.
“His competitiveness, particularly his competitiveness defensively, is what sets him apart.”
Windhorst went on to take a dig at former Mavericks star Luka Doncic, who was traded to the LA Lakers one year ago.
“When Luka Doncic gets beat on defense, the only thing he’s mad about is the referees for not calling a foul at the other end.”
Cooper Flagg is averaging 19.5 points per game this season to date, along with 6.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists.
Windhorst added: “The biggest thing I can say about him… I wouldn’t trade him for anyone in the league.”