Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball Lead Hornets to Five-Game Winning Streak

Duke University’s fellow freshman Cooper Flagg delivered a massive scoring performance, scoring 49 points at just 19 years old—setting the highest points record for a teenager in the NBA. The previous record was held by Cliff Robinson, who scored 45 points at age 19 for New Jersey in March 1980.

Flag made 20 field goals from 29 attempts and grabbed 10 rebounds. However, in the final moments, a mistake led to Knuypeli intercepting his pass, quickly advancing from midcourt. Flagg fouled him, and his last-minute shot hit the rim and missed the extra time opportunity.

Knuypeli also hit eight three-pointers in the match, setting the Hornets’ rookie record. Brandon Miller added 23 points, marking his ninth consecutive game scoring over 20 points. LaMelo Ball scored 22 points, including six three-pointers.

For the Mavericks, Klay Thompson scored 16 points off the bench. The Mavericks lost three consecutive home games, ending their longest four-game home winning streak of the season. This game was the first NBA faceoff between Duke’s 2024-25 freshmen Flagg and Knuypeli. During halftime, former Dallas first overall draft pick Mark Aguirre had his jersey retired, becoming the fifth player in team history to receive this honor.

The Hornets’ victory establishes their long five-game winning streak, the longest since February 2023, while the Mavericks have now lost three consecutive home games.