Jan. 30, 2026

Cooper Flagg’s Record-Breaking Night And Kon Knueppel's Performance Highlight Duke’s Rising NBA Stars

Cooper Flagg’s Record-Breaking Night And Kon Knueppel's Performance Highlight Duke’s Rising NBA Stars
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Cooper Flagg’s Record-Breaking Night And Kon Knueppel's Performance Highlight Duke’s Rising NBA Stars

Reese, Pam and Alex discuss Cooper Flagg’s historic performance last night, the impact former Duke players are already making across the NBA and whether Duke’s talent-loaded starting five underachieved by failing to win a national championship last season.

The Charlotte Hornets beat the Dallas Mavericks 123-121 last night in a tight game that came down to the final seconds. The night was highlighted by a huge Duke rookie duel: Cooper Flagg exploded for 49 points and 10 rebounds, setting the NBA record for most points ever scored by a teenager, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win. On the Hornets’ side, Kon Knueppel led the way with a career-high 34 points, drilling eight three-pointers and making key plays down the stretch. The win extended Charlotte’s streak to five games, while Dallas was left with a tough loss despite Flagg’s historic performance. Should the Sports Shop crew take a road trip to Charlotte to watch the Hornets?

Many players in Duke's starting five from last year is making a mark on the NBA. Flagg starts for the Mavericks, Knueppel and Sion James play for the Hornets, Khaman Maluach plays for the Phoenix Suns and Tyrese Proctor plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers. How did Duke not win the National Championship last year?