Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel described his matchup in opposition to Duke teammate Cooper Flagg as “enjoyable,” acknowledging the competitiveness between them. “He’s actually good. He’s one of the best participant on the ground tonight and possibly one of the best participant I’ve confronted all season,” Knueppel mentioned.
Knueppel recounted the decisive defensive play that arrange his clutch free throws. “Simply making an attempt to get it out of Coop’s palms on the finish. I got here in, acquired a hand on it, dove ahead, after which threw it again within the courtroom towards me. Then I acquired fouled and hit two free throws. Only a loopy ending to an outstanding recreation,” he mentioned.
On his sizzling capturing night time, Knueppel credited his confidence after struggling in current video games. “It’s been a bit of dry spell previous couple video games. It was good to have an evening the place I used to be feeling actually good and seeing the ball undergo the web,” he mentioned, highlighting his eight 3-pointers.
Knueppel downplayed the rookie of the 12 months dialog regardless of each he and Flagg being high contenders. “We each wish to win, however we don’t discuss it. He in all probability jumps me with 49 and 10. Whoever will get it, I’ll be completely happy for him,” he mentioned.
Reflecting on Flagg’s historic efficiency, Knueppel mentioned one phrase described the sport: “In management. On the finish of the sport, he turns it over, however he is aware of the way to deal with the final shot. He’s by no means too quick and performs at his tempo, only a heck of a recreation.”
Knueppel additionally acknowledged the broader workforce momentum. “We simply acquired a spirit about us proper now. Beating OKC on the street gave us confidence. We’re an excellent basketball workforce and we’re beginning to actually consider that about ourselves,” he mentioned, emphasizing Charlotte’s five-game profitable streak.
The Hornets now sit at 21-28, having swept a street back-to-back and recorded their fifth straight win, whereas the Mavericks fell to 19-29 after Cooper Flagg’s 49-point effort. Knueppel’s efficiency capped the victory with 34 factors on 16 photographs and two vital free throws with 4.1 seconds remaining, ending Dallas’ hopes of additional time.
Charlotte will host San Antonio on Saturday, aiming to proceed its profitable streak, whereas Dallas travels to Houston.
