Cooper Flagg was a first round overall pick for the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA draft [Getty Images]
Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg became the first teenager to score 49 points in an NBA game as they lost 123-121 against the Charlotte Hornets at American Airlines Center.
The 19-year-old beat Clifford Robinson's previous record of 45 points set in 1980 when playing for the New Jersey Nets against the Detroit Pistons.
Flagg, making his 43rd appearance of the season, also became the youngest player to score at least 40 points and 10 rebounds.
The Hornets' Kon Knueppel, who was room-mates with Flagg at Duke University, also posted impressive numbers.
The 20-year-old scored a career-high 34 points and was successful with eight of his 12 three-pointer attempts - setting a rookie record for Charlotte.
Their combined 83 points was the highest of any opposing rookies in more than 50 years, and they were the first pair of opposing rookies from the same college to each score 30-plus points in the same game.
The Dallas Mavericks sit 12th in the Western Conference after falling to four successive defeats, while the Charlotte Hornets have won five in a row and are 11th in the Eastern Conference.
BOTTOM LINE: Sacramento looks to stop its seven-game skid with a victory over Boston.
The Celtics are 14-8 on their home court. Boston has a 4-6 record in games decided by less than 4 points.
The Kings are 3-21 on the road. Sacramento has a 5-24 record in games decided by 10 points or more.
The Celtics score 116.4 points per game, 4.2 fewer points than the 120.6 the Kings allow. The Kings average 110.5 points per game, 0.4 more than the 110.1 the Celtics allow to opponents.
The teams meet for the second time this season. The Celtics won 120-106 in the last matchup on Jan. 2.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jaylen Brown is averaging 29.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists for the Celtics. Anfernee Simons is averaging 14.7 points over the last 10 games.
Dennis Schroder is scoring 13.0 points per game and averaging 3.0 rebounds for the Kings. DeMar DeRozan is averaging 21.7 points and 3.0 rebounds over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Celtics: 5-5, averaging 111.3 points, 47.4 rebounds, 23.8 assists, 7.5 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 45.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.7 points per game.
Kings: 3-7, averaging 113.2 points, 42.5 rebounds, 26.0 assists, 6.1 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 49.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.5 points.
INJURIES: Celtics: Jaylen Brown: day to day (hamstring), Jayson Tatum: out (achilles), Neemias Queta: day to day (illness).
Kings: Russell Westbrook: day to day (illness), Keegan Murray: out (ankle), Malik Monk: day to day (ankle).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: The Golden State Warriors host the Detroit Pistons in non-conference action.
The Warriors are 17-7 in home games. Golden State is third in the Western Conference with 28.9 assists per game led by Draymond Green averaging 5.3.
The Pistons are 15-7 in road games. Detroit ranks sixth in the league scoring 17.9 fast break points per game. Cade Cunningham leads the Pistons averaging 3.5.
The 116.5 points per game the Warriors average are 6.4 more points than the Pistons allow (110.1). The Pistons are shooting 47.8% from the field, 0.8% higher than the 47.0% the Warriors' opponents have shot this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Stephen Curry is averaging 27.3 points and 4.9 assists for the Warriors. Moses Moody is averaging 13.9 points over the past 10 games.
Cunningham is averaging 25.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 9.7 assists and 1.5 steals for the Pistons. Duncan Robinson is averaging 3.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Warriors: 6-4, averaging 120.3 points, 41.0 rebounds, 30.8 assists, 11.7 steals and 5.0 blocks per game while shooting 48.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.7 points per game.
Pistons: 7-3, averaging 109.3 points, 43.5 rebounds, 26.6 assists, 11.6 steals and 6.5 blocks per game while shooting 46.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 102.9 points.
INJURIES: Warriors: Gui Santos: day to day (calf), Jimmy Butler III: out for season (knee), LJ Cryer: out (hamstring), Jonathan Kuminga: out (knee), Seth Curry: out (back).
Pistons: Caris LeVert: day to day (illness).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Dallas Mavericks (19-29, 12th in the Western Conference) vs. Houston Rockets (29-17, fourth in the Western Conference)
Houston; Saturday, 8:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Dallas faces the Houston Rockets after Cooper Flagg scored 49 points in the Mavericks' 123-121 loss to the Charlotte Hornets.
The Rockets are 5-5 against division opponents. Houston is 11-3 when it has fewer turnovers than its opponents and averages 14.4 turnovers per game.
The Mavericks are 3-6 against Southwest Division opponents. Dallas is 7-11 in games decided by 10 points or more.
The Rockets average 116.1 points per game, 0.6 fewer points than the 116.7 the Mavericks give up. The Mavericks average 114.2 points per game, 4.2 more than the 110.0 the Rockets give up.
The teams play for the fourth time this season. The Mavericks won the last meeting 110-104 on Jan. 4, with Anthony Davis scoring 26 points in the win.
TOP PERFORMERS: Kevin Durant is averaging 26.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists for the Rockets. Alperen Sengun is averaging 19.5 points over the last 10 games.
Flagg is averaging 19.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists for the Mavericks. Naji Marshall is averaging 18.6 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Rockets: 7-3, averaging 109.4 points, 49.3 rebounds, 24.0 assists, 9.2 steals and 6.4 blocks per game while shooting 45.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.3 points per game.
Mavericks: 5-5, averaging 118.4 points, 46.2 rebounds, 26.2 assists, 8.1 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 48.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.9 points.
INJURIES: Rockets: Fred VanVleet: out for season (acl), Dorian Finney-Smith: day to day (injury management), Tari Eason: day to day (injury management), Steven Adams: out for season (ankle).
Mavericks: Dereck Lively II: out for season (foot), Kyrie Irving: out (knee), Dante Exum: out for season (knee), Naji Marshall: day to day (rest), Anthony Davis: out (hand).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: Los Angeles heads to Washington for a non-conference matchup.
The Wizards have gone 8-15 at home. Washington gives up 122.3 points to opponents and has been outscored by 10.1 points per game.
The Lakers are 16-10 on the road. Los Angeles is 13-16 in games decided by 10 or more points.
The Wizards score 112.2 points per game, 4.3 fewer points than the 116.5 the Lakers allow. The Wizards average 115.9 points per game, 6.4 fewer points than the 122.3 the Wizards give up.
TOP PERFORMERS: Alex Sarr is averaging 17.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.2 blocks for the Wizards. Tre Johnson is averaging 2.6 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Luka Doncic is averaging 33.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, 8.7 assists and 1.5 steals for the Lakers. LeBron James is averaging 22.0 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Wizards: 1-8, averaging 107.7 points, 44.0 rebounds, 24.4 assists, 9.6 steals and 6.0 blocks per game while shooting 43.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.4 points per game.
Lakers: 5-5, averaging 115.9 points, 40.9 rebounds, 24.6 assists, 7.1 steals and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 49.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.6 points.
INJURIES: Wizards: Tristan Vukcevic: day to day (hamstring), Cam Whitmore: out for season (shoulder), Trae Young: out (quad), Marvin Bagley III: day to day (thoracic).
Lakers: Austin Reaves: day to day (calf), Adou Thiero: out (knee), Luka Doncic: day to day (ankle).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Chicago Bulls (23-25, 10th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Miami Heat (26-23, seventh in the Eastern Conference)
Miami; Saturday, 8 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Chicago comes into the matchup with Miami as losers of three in a row.
The Heat have gone 13-13 against Eastern Conference teams. Miami has a 14-14 record in games decided by 10 or more points.
The Bulls are 15-17 in conference matchups. Chicago ranks fifth in the Eastern Conference with 17.6 fast break points per game led by Coby White averaging 3.5.
The Heat's 13.3 made 3-pointers per game this season are just 0.5 fewer made shots on average than the 13.8 per game the Bulls give up. The Bulls are shooting 47.6% from the field, 1.5% higher than the 46.1% the Heat's opponents have shot this season.
The teams play for the third time this season. In the last matchup on Jan. 30 the Heat won 116-113 led by 21 points from Norman Powell, while Ayo Dosunmu scored 23 points for the Bulls.
TOP PERFORMERS: Bam Adebayo is shooting 44.5% and averaging 18.0 points for the Heat. Simone Fontecchio is averaging 2.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Nikola Vucevic is averaging 17 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists for the Bulls. White is averaging 3.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Heat: 6-4, averaging 121.3 points, 49.2 rebounds, 28.5 assists, 8.0 steals and 3.2 blocks per game while shooting 44.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 120.3 points per game.
Bulls: 5-5, averaging 118.7 points, 43.6 rebounds, 31.2 assists, 6.5 steals and 4.8 blocks per game while shooting 48.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.3 points.
INJURIES: Heat: Tyler Herro: day to day (toe), Davion Mitchell: day to day (shoulder).
Bulls: Noa Essengue: out for season (shoulder), Zach Collins: out (toe), Tre Jones: day to day (hamstring), Josh Giddey: day to day (hamstring), Jalen Smith: day to day (calf).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
But it was his old college roommate at Duke, Kon Knueppel, who got the win.
Knueppel stole a pass from Flagg with seven seconds left in a tie game, drove to the rim in transition and was fouled by Flagg. Knueppel then scored his 33rd and 34th points of the game on free throws with 4.1 seconds left, giving Charlotte the 123-121 win.
Knueppel had a big night himself, knocking down eight 3-pointers to set a Hornets rookie record.
The former college roommates delivered an EPIC DUEL in Dallas
Cooper Flagg: 49 PTS (career-high, most-ever by a teen), 10 REB, 20-29 FGM
Kon Knueppel: 34 PTS (career-high), 4 REB, 8 3PM (new franchise rookie record), 10-16 FGM pic.twitter.com/J081u6J6os
Charlotte got 23 points from Brandon Miller (that's nine straight games with 20+ points for Miller), while LaMelo Ball added 22 points, including hitting six 3-pointers.
DALLAS (AP) — As Dallas rookie Cooper Flagg set the NBA record for points by a teenager with 49 on Thursday night in a 123-121 loss to Charlotte, he broke the franchise rookie scoring record he shared with Mark Aguirre — whose jersey was retired at halftime.
“Mark Aguirre is special. Such a special night for him and the whole organization,” said Flagg, who turned 19 in December. “I just feel blessed. It’s a pretty cool thing.”
“You saw history,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. “We saw history at halftime, and we got to see a young man play the game at a very high level. To have Mark in the building and break his record was pretty special.”
Also special for the No. 1 draft pick last summer from Duke was playing his first NBA game against Kon Knueppel, his roommate as Blue Devils freshmen last season. Knueppel, drafted fourth, set his own career record with 34 points and hit the two winning free throws with 4.1 seconds left after being fouled at the rim by Flagg.
“Cooper, he played like the best player we’ve played all season,” said Knueppel, who set a franchise rookie record hitting eight 3-pointers. “He had a heck of a game, he’s a heck of a player, and he’s going to have a heck of a career.”
Flagg referred to Knueppel as his “brother for life.”
Cliff Robinson set the previous NBA teen record of 45 at age 19 for New Jersey in a game against Detroit on March 9, 1980. Flagg’s previous high of 42 points also came in a defeat — 140-133 at Utah on Dec. 15. As did Aguirre’s, in a 118-112 loss to Golden State on Nov. 14, 1981.
It didn’t start out looking like a historic night for Flagg. He shot 1 for 4 in the first quarter as the Mavericks fell behind by 15 points. He caught fire in the second period, hitting 8 of 9 including 2 of 3 from downtown plus 5 for 5 at the free-throw line. His 23 points in the period and 25 at halftime were both Dallas individual highs this season.
Knueppel conversely came out hot. He hit his first three shots from behind the arc, 4 for 5 in the first period and added another in the second quarter.
“When he sees some easy ones go in to start the game, it’s never a good thing (for an opponent),” Flagg said of Knueppel, who turned 20 in August. “That’s how it is for a lot of great shooters.”
Any trash talk?
“Chirping back and forth,” Flagg said. “Just having fun.”
The two leading candidates for Rookie of the Year finished the night with Flagg averaging 19.5 points per game, Knueppel 18.9. They’ll meet again on March 3 in Charlotte.
It will be difficult to match their collective effort on Thursday night.
“We’ll both be looking back on this night and this whole year in general the rest of our lives,” Flagg said.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 16: Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz brings the ball up the court against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half of their preseason game at the Delta Center on October 16, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah.(NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Gardner/ Getty Images) | Getty Images
It was reported a few days ago about the Washington Wizards’ interest in Walker Kessler by Tim MacMahon. Michael Scotto added some new insight to that interest in Kessler.
Story: Reporting on Giannis Antetokounmpo, Domantas Sabonis, Jalen Green, Walker Kessler, Yves Missi, and trade talks involving the Lakers, Celtics, Knicks, Hawks, Bulls, Cavaliers, Timberwolves, Jazz, Spurs, Magic, Pelicans, and Wizards on @hoopshype. https://t.co/m0X18YNzYs
The Washington Wizards are the latest team, per ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, interested in Utah Jazz enter Walker Kessler. Previously, the Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Lakers have also been linked to the 24-year-old center.
…
Regarding the recently reported Wizards interest in Kessler, while he’s a player liked by members of Washington’s front office, the Wizards are building around Alex Sarr as their center of the future, league sources told HoopsHype.
This makes sense for the Wizards, who have a rising star in Alex Sarr. If they view him as the future at the center position, then Kessler doesn’t make sense as a player for them to pursue. If they could get him for cheap, maybe, but they know that Utah can match any offer.
It’s also good news for the Jazz, who are surely hoping to get Kessler on a reasonable contract. We know that Kessler and his camp had been asking for an amount that Utah did not want to pay, and left him the option to play the market. The only issue with this strategy is that it only takes one team to make a big offer. If that happens, will the Jazz blink? Knowing that, it makes news like this good for the Jazz. It’s likely one less team bidding for Kessler.
PHOENIX, AZ - DECEMBER 23: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns on December 23, 2025 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Lakers (28-18) look to quickly get back to the winning column in Washington where they will take on the struggling Wizards (11-34). This is the first matchup between the teams this season.
The Lakers’ most recent loss to the Cavaliers had disaster written all over it. No one other than Luka Dončić had more than 12 points, they were outscored in the third quarter (42-22) and they were outrebounded and outscored from the 3-point line as well as inside the paint. It was one of those games where nothing went right for the purple and gold, at least for most of the second half.
It’s also one of those games that has to be flushed in the toilet because there’s nothing the Lakers can do about it besides move on to Washington, literally. On Friday, the Lakers will continue their road trip in the nation’s capital where they will be hosted by the worst team in the NBA right now. They’ll be on the second night of a back-to-back when they face the purple and gold.
This is the perfect opportunity for the Lakers to get back on track and conclude their current eight-game road trip on a strong note. It’ll be nice to see literally everyone play better than they did in this one. They should be able to get theirs more easily against a team that ranks 28th offensively and 29th defensively.
There’s no excuse for the Lakers’ offense and defense not showing up in this one, as they did against the Cavaliers. This should be one of their easiest games this season. It’ll be great to see the Lakers play with more energy, the type that depicts that they’re so much better than the team that showed up in Cleveland. A more concerted effort in closing out defensively, boxing out for rebounds and imposing their will on both ends of the floor would be a sight for sore eyes.
Moreover, perhaps the most notable storyline of this one is possibly the return of Austin Reaves, who has missed the last 17 games due to a calf strain injury and is currently listed as questionable ahead of Friday’s game. This is a big development for the Lakers, who have been missing AR’s services. His return lessens Dončić and James’s scoring responsibilities and adds much-needed speed and boost in the lineup. It’s unfair to expect Austin to instantly return to form but this game is a good start for him to do so.
Note that the Wizards still don’t have Trae Young active in their lineup due to injury, so there’s really no excuse for the Lakers to lose this one. As long as Alex Sarr, Khris Middleton and Kyshawn George don’t play extraordinarily well, L.A. is poised to bounce back.
Let’s see if they can do just that on Friday.
Notes and Updates
For the Lakers’ injury report, Luka Dončić (left ankle soreness) and Austin Reaves (left calf strain) are questionable.
Adou Thiero (right MCL sprain) are listed as out.
Since the Wizards are playing on the second night of a back-to-back, they don’t have an injury report yet for Friday’s game. However, expect Trae Young (knee and quadriceps), Cam Whitemore (venous condition), Marvin Bagley III (thoracic strain) and Tristan Vukcevic (left hamstring strain) to be out.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JANUARY 29: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates his three-point basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first quarter at Target Center on January 29, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!
Despite the game being their fourth in five nights, the Minnesota Timberwolves took down the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night. It was their third straight victory after losing their previous five games, including an awful night at Target Center last Sunday.
Before the game, the Timberwolves came out in shirts that read “Stand with Minnesota” and released a statement extending their sympathies and love for the Minnesota community.
The Wolves won the game wire-to-wire, with Anthony Edwards opening the scoring with a 3-pointer. Minnesota went up by as many as 18 points in the first half and 21 in the second half as they cruised to their 30th win of the season.
The Timberwolves shot the lights out all game, making 22 shots from beyond the arc, doubling OKC’s total, including 4-10 from Anthony Edwards, 4-8 from Naz Reid, 3-6 from Bones Hyland, and 5-5 from Jaden McDaniels.
The Wolves’ defense was also on point right from the jump, holding Oklahoma City to just six points through the first six minutes of the game. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 30 points on 12-18 shooting, which felt like a pedestrian night for the MVP frontrunner.
It was an all-around scoring effort for the Wolves as all eight rotation players scored at least seven points, with six scoring in double-figures. Edwards put up 26 points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block. While the numbers may not be eye-catching, Edwards did a fantastic job dealing with the OKC ball pressure as they sent two to the ball on almost every ball screen.
“Just taking what they give me,” Edwards said after the game. “Take my shots and if they given me to pull up three. Take it. They giving me the midrange taken. And I think mainly, like I said, just trusting my teammates, because that’s what they gonna make you do. I get by Dort or get by Wallace, two, three guys gonna come over to the rim. So just being able to make that play and making it over and over, finding Rudy, finding Donte in the corner, just like I said, trusting my teammates.”
McDaniels finished with 21 points, four rebounds, four assists, and two blocks. Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch had high praise for the Jaden postgame, “Just outstanding. Both sides of the ball. Shot making was elite. Decision making was really good. His defense was awesome. I thought he made Shai work for everything. Discipline in the fouling. Rebounded pretty well too.”
“The intensity to start the game.” McDaniels himself said about the key to the game defensively. “Just making the right reads on defense, having pressure, really just starting the game off well with the right defensive mindset and they see that’s why we get certain leads and been able to hold them for the whole game.”
Usually, a win against the defending champions would come as at least a little bit of a surprise, but not for the Wolves. It has become a pattern with this team over the years, just when you think they are primed to rip off a bunch of wins in a row, they stumble, and just when it seems like all hope is lost, they play their best basketball of the season. It’s the perfect lesson of never too high, never too low.
“Yeah, sometimes you beat yourself sometimes,” Reid said when asked about the Wolves being their own worst enemy. “It’s a long season, you’re going to have boneheaded mistakes or plays that just leads to losses that you should’ve won. Everybody goes through it. It’s how you respond that matters most.”
It’s the Timberwolves’ best and worst quality. They respond to adversity and losing streaks well, never falling down for too long, but they also let their effort wax and wane after a good stretch of play.
The key now and for the rest of the season is to find some sort of consistency from night to night.
Up Next
The Timberwolves head out on a three-game road trip, the first two of which are against the Memphis Grizzlies. The first game on Saturday begins at 7:00 PM CT, airing on FanDuel Sports Network. The second game on Monday starts at 6:30 PM CT on Peacock.
After the pair of games in Memphis, the Timberwolves head across the border to face the Toronto Raptors, where the Wolves have not won since January 21, 2004.
DALLAS, TEXAS - JANUARY 29: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks and Kon Knueppel #7 of the Charlotte Hornets talk after the game at American Airlines Center on January 29, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In a game that was billed as a historic clash between two rookie sensations, Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel both delivered in a back and forth game that Dallas lost 123-121.
Flagg poured in a historic 49 point game, while Knueppel exploded for 34, including the game winning free throws.
To the grades!
Cooper Flagg: A+
49 PTS / 10 REB / 3 AST / 0 STL / 1 BLK – 38 MIN
When the Mavericks drafted Cooper Flagg, it singlehandedly saved the franchise, and so far he has far exceeded every single lofty expectation.
His defense, passing, and IQ were to be expected, but this kind of scoring output was seen as an eventual ceiling, not an immediate skill. Many draft analysts even questioned if he could ever be a number one option.
Scoring at this level at his age has never been seen before, as he became the first teenager to ever score more than 45 points in a game, something even Lebron could not accomplish.
While this season has been tough to get through, games like this are why we tune in every single night, because you never know when Cooper Flagg will make history.
P.J. Washington: D-
14 PTS / 9 REB / 3 AST / 1 STL / 2 BLK – 35 MIN
P.J. Washington has not been good this year, and when the Mavericks have needed him, he has come up short.
While his box score numbers aren’t bad, his efficiency was terrible, and he frequently hijacked possessions with ill-advised drives.
If P.J. continues this kind of play, the Mavericks have to seek out trade suitors for Washington.
Daniel Gafford: C
5 PTS / 4 REB / 3 AST / 0 STL / 0 BLK – 25 MIN
It is not a hot take to say that Daniel Gafford is currently the worst center on the Mavericks roster.
Now, whether it due to injury, or a lack of Luka lobs, Gafford has simply been bad for most of this season. His usual effort and energy has not been felt, and his automatic shot making around the rim has abandoned him.
Until he can get fully healthy, the Mavericks should continue to give more minutes to both Moussa Cisse and Dwight Powell.
Caleb Martin: B
6 PTS / 11 REB / 2 AST / 1 STL / 2 BLK – 27 MIN
Perhaps the most shocking turnaround this season has been Caleb Martin, who has become a valuable role player for this team.
This game in particular showcased his defensive value, as he contributed 3 STOCKS, and was flying around all game long.
If the Mavericks choose to move off of some of their wing depth at the trade deadline, Martin seems poised to take on a larger role.
Max Christie: C
13 PTS/ 3 REB / 3 AST / 0 STL / 1 BLK – 29 MIN
The Cormac caravan has unfortunately ground to a halt due to Christie’s recent cold stretch.
The Mavericks desperately missed his shooting in this game, as he went only 1-7. This type of shooting from Christie usually spells doom for their chances, as there isn’t going to be shooting from many others on the roster.
Hopefully Christie can break out of his slump, because the Mavericks cannot survive without him.
Klay Thompson: B-
16 PTS / 3 REB / 1 AST / 1 STL / 0 BLK – 27 MIN
With the trade deadline 1 week away, we may be approaching the final games for Klay Thompson in a Maverick uniform.
Klay was solid in this game, but his defense on Kon Knueppel left much to be desired, as the rookie sniper had plenty of success generating space.
If Klay does get traded, I have no doubt that he can still provide a spark of scoring off the bench.
Jan 29, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) shoots past Charlotte Hornets guard Collin Sexton (8) and Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) defends during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The Dallas Mavericks lost a 123-121 heartbreaker to the Charlotte Hornets Thursday night in Dallas. Rookies Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel put on a hell of a show, combining to score 83 points.
Flagg had a career-high 49, while Knueppel had 34. There were times when this game was a literal duel between both superstar rookies, with Knueppel and Flagg trading baskets during a wild, back-and-forth second quarter. The Hornets were hot from deep, but as Dallas is prone to do, kept hanging around and making things competitive.
In the end Flagg had a chance to tie or take the lead in the final seconds, but his game-tying jumper was off at the buzzer. Dallas has now lost three in a row after winning four straight. Here are the numbers that stood out.
14-of-17: Cooper Flagg’s shooting in the paint
Obviously the number of the night is 49, Flagg’s point total, which was not only a career-high but checked some other impressive boxes:
Most points scored by a Mavericks rookie, breaking the 42 points Flagg previously scored in Utah earlier this season and the 42 points Mavericks legend Mark Aguirre scored in 1981. Because sports are great, of course this happened on the night the Mavericks retired Aguirre’s number and he was in attendance.
Most points scored by a teenager, surpassing then 19-year-old Cliff Robinson’s 45 points scored back in 1980.
So yes, this entire stats post could have been Flagg numbers. I wanted to pick a different one, so when I looked at his shot chart, my eyes widened: Flagg shot 14-of-17 in the paint. That is not a typo, do not adjust your screen. Flagg was a perfect 8-of-8 in the restricted area and an incredible 6-of-9 from the floater range.
Flagg got to 49 points with only three made 3-pointers and six made free throws. That’s unheard of in the modern NBA, where scoring outbursts are typically fueled by a wave of long-range bombs and foul drawing. This was the most ethical 49-point I’ve seen in a long time.
I don’t know what else to say. Flagg was incredible and deserved a win to celebrate the milestone.
20: Hornets made 3-pointers
So how did the Mavericks lose a game when Flagg goes bananas? Simple: they couldn’t make threes and the Hornets could.
Charlotte went 20-of-41 from three, while the Mavericks were a frigid 11-of-33 in comparison. A 27-point deficit from the three point line is almost literally impossible to overcome, so it was a miracle the Mavericks were so competitive in this game to begin with.
The Hornets three best players (LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Knueppel) combined for 17 of the 20 three pointers. Knueppel in particular was a flamethrower, making seven threes in the first half. Miller and Ball both hit huge threes in the final moments to help push Charlotte across the finish line.
Dallas did a lot of things well, but they couldn’t hit jumpers and they couldn’t keep the Hornets in front of them to shut off the water on their threes as well.
60: Points in the paint for Dallas
It’s remarkable how well the Mavericks score in the paint despite the fact that they are one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the NBA. Usually you need proper floor-spacing and court gravity to open up the driving lanes to score down low, but the Mavericks keep doing it night after night despite the bad shooting from three.
The Mavericks are top 10 in drives and points in the paint per game, mostly led by Flagg’s dogged determination to get to the rim as early and as often as possible. That playstyle has clearly been infectious, especially when Naji Marshall is on the floor as well (he was out for this game for rest).
I keep waiting for teams to just completely wall off the rim against the Mavericks and dare role players to make jumpers, but it just hasn’t reliably happened. Kudos to Klay Thompson for basically being one-man floor spacing, and his movement shooting has been nearly invaluable for the team.
A few notes as we get closer to Thursday’s NBA trade deadline...
As noted on Tuesday, the Knicks remain interested in New Orleans Pelicans’ guard Jose Alvarado. As Michael Scotto first mentioned on The Putback, New York also has interest in big man Yves Missi.
They can match salaries for Alvarado with Guerschon Yabusele or with two lower-salaried players (Pacome Dadiet and Jordan Clarkson, for example).
They can match salaries for Missi with a similar combination of contracts.
Logic tells you that Joe Dumars and New Orleans would seek draft compensation in either of those trades (or if both players are packaged together).
The Knicks have seven second-round picks at their disposal (that number increases to nine if you include their 2026 first-round pick from the Wizards, which will likely convey to two second-rounders).
The Knicks also have Naji Marshall on their radar, but at the moment, the consensus is that Dallas will be able to garner a better offer than New York’s for Marshall.
Speaking of better offers, several teams on Thursday saw the Knicks as on the outside looking in with regard to a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade.
On @Honda SportsNite, @IanBegley joins @mmargaux8 from MSG after the Knicks' win over the Kings to discuss New York's three-game win streak, Karl-Anthony Towns sitting most of the 4th quarter, and Jrue Holiday trade rumors being linked to pursuing Giannis Antetokounmpo pic.twitter.com/WBBotJunJE
The Knicks would obviously love to acquire Antetokounmpo; I’m sure they would aggressively pursue all available options to land Antetokounmpo.
But they don’t have the draft compensation to compete with other teams interested in Antetokounmpo. That list includes Miami, as noted Wednesday, and also reportedly includes Golden State and Minnesota.
ESPN reported on Wednesday that Milwaukee was open to listening to offers for Antetokounmpo ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline.
Those teams contacted on Thursday felt that Milwaukee was more interested in gauging the market for Antetokounmpo at the moment than actually pursuing a trade.
“They can just see what the market bears now; what can they get now that would be better than around the (2026) NBA Draft,” said one official with a team that can put together a strong offer for Antetokounmpo.
“The best thing for the Knicks is if this extends into the offseason.”
New York doesn’t have a tradeable first-round pick at the moment (the club can offer pick swaps in a trade).
In the offseason, the Knicks can trade as many as two first-round picks (in addition to pick swaps).
Maybe there is a third team willing to take one of the Knicks’ top players in exchange for future draft picks (San Antonio, perhaps)? But if that situation doesn’t materialize, it’s hard to see how the Knicks can cobble together a competitive offer for Antetokounmpo.
In a big-picture sense, Milwaukee is under no pressure to move Antetokounmpo ahead of the deadline. If the Bucks wait until the offseason, maybe they can make a move with their 2026 first-round pick that entices Antetokounmpo to stay? If not, the pool of teams able to make strong offers for Antetokounmpo only grows in the offseason. So it behooves Milwaukee to wait. (Yes, Antetokounmpo can get hurt if he returns to the court this season. But that seems like a calculated risk worth taking in order to get a better return for the face of your franchise.)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 27: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Milwaukee Bucks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 27, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Bucks 139-122. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With the NBA trade deadline less than a week away, surely you’re thinking it:
The Sixers better not duck the tax this year.
Over the past several seasons, the Sixers have made moves to dip below the NBA’s luxury tax. Some deals were less egregious, but last year’s salary-dumping of KJ Martin to the Detroit Pistons understandably drew the ire of fans. Not only did the team move on from Martin, a player who had a few bright moments here and was brought back on a balloon deal with bigger trade aspirations in mind, but they also attached two second-round picks in a cost-cutting move.
If you have concerns about the team making a similar move, you’re not alone. After the team’s 113-111 win over the Sacramento Kings Thursday, Joel Embiid made it clear he wants Daryl Morey and company to make improvements.
“Obviously, we’ve been ducking the tax past couple of years, so hopefully, we’ll keep the same team. I love all the guys that are here. I think we got a shot.
“I don’t know what they’re gonna do, but I hope we get a chance to just go out and compete because we’ve got a good group of guys in this locker room. The vibes are great. Like I said, in the past we’ve been I guess ducking the tax, so hopefully we think about improving because I think we have a chance.”
That quote is a big deal. Sure, Embiid has never been afraid to be outspoken, but when it comes to personnel decisions, he usually provides a diplomatic answer — something to the effect of, “That’s not my job” or “I trust those guys.” This felt like Embiid sending a clear message to the front office.
It’s a fair stance from Embiid, who dropped 37 against the Kings. All he’s done to get back to the level he’s currently playing is nothing short of remarkable. He’s also been available at a rate many weren’t expecting before the season started. The Sixers also find themselves in sixth in a seemingly wide-open East.
While backup center Andre Drummond is an obvious trade candidate, Kelly Oubre Jr. is another name that’s been floated out there. After starting the season strong, Drummond has mostly been supplanted by Adem Bona. It’s likely better for both sides to move on.
But Oubre is a different story. He’s fit well into the starting group, giving the team a spark on both ends. Of course, moving off his $8.3 million salary would go a long way to helping the tax bill, but it’s clear moving Oubre for a lesser player would not sit well with the big fella.
The quote was prompted by a question about continuity, something Embiid has said he’s craved in recent years. The Sixers’ roster upheaval has been … something during Embiid’s decade in Philadelphia. At this point, Oubre is Embiid’s longest-tenured teammate not named Tyrese Maxey. The veteran wing has always seemed to play well off the former MVP.
In referencing continuity, one wonders what Embiid thinks of the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes playing out. A report from NBA Insider Jake Fischer indicated the Greek Freak would have interest in playing with Maxey, putting the Sixers on his “radar.” A trade like that would surely mean multiple meaningful pieces going to Milwaukee, most notably Paul George for salary matching purposes.
It seems like what Embiid wants is meaningful improvement that doesn’t mess with the team’s core.
Sounds like the ball is in your court, Daryl Morey.
