Flag battles Kangshen, the strongest rookie duel in history

Who could have expected that out of all today’s games, the Hornets versus Mavericks would be the most thrilling?

The main focus of this match was definitely the Rookie of the Year competition. Flag, who had been leading the rookie rankings, was overtaken recently by Kang Knuppel. Flag sat out yesterday’s game against the Timberwolves, anticipating a direct clash with his roommate today.

Starting fresh and rested, Flag surprisingly fell behind early, scoring only 2 points on 1-for-4 shooting in the first quarter. Meanwhile, Kang was blazing in the opening period, hitting four consecutive three-pointers, showcasing his off-ball skills to the fullest; he didn’t even need to move to get open—just give him space and he’d score, showing flashes of a peak Klay Thompson in his rookie season.

Flag exploded in the second quarter, going 8-for-9 for 23 points, including 2-for-3 from beyond the arc, and perfect 6-for-6 inside the three-point line. His finishes at the rim were nearly unstoppable, and some mid-range jumpers also fell. This was probably Flag’s smoothest shooting quarter since entering the league, ending the half with 25 points.

Both teams played well in the first quarter, and the halftime score was separated by just one point. The battle continued into the third quarter, where the Hornets initially pulled away from 67-76 as Kang hit three more triples in a row. In the latter half, Flag responded with 15 points in the quarter, closing the gap again, and the teams were tied after three quarters.

Even in the fourth quarter, the score remained close with alternating leads. Flag, who had scored 40 points through three quarters, kept adding to his tally. He soared for a floater with a hand switch in mid-air—his physique, speed, and skill at just 19 years old made him almost a small glitch in the game, leaving opponents helpless.

With 33 seconds left, the Mavericks were down by three. Flag pulled up from beyond the arc and nailed a three-pointer to tie the game. That was his 49th point of the match, setting a new rookie scoring record for the Mavericks and also breaking the NBA record for most points scored by a player under 19 years old.

Flag rested only two minutes in the fourth quarter, while Kang played just 5 minutes and 30 seconds. After Flag’s tying three-pointer, Kang didn’t fade away but quickly responded on defense.

In the final moments, Flag had a chance to decide the game, but Kang chose to aggressively double-team him early. Flag tried to pass ahead, but Kang anticipated it perfectly, leaping to intercept the pass just before it went out of bounds. Sean James of the Hornets dove to save the ball and passed it to Kang, who pushed the fast break.

Sean James, last year’s 33rd pick, is also a college teammate of both Kang and Flag from Duke. The three Duke teammates enjoyed a spectacular reunion on the court today. Kang received the ball on the fast break and went up for a layup, with Flag closely guarding him. Flag’s large hands were ready, but a foul was called on the contact.

Kang calmly sank both free throws without any hesitation—a mark of a great shooter. For him, these two free throws were not game-deciding shots but routine practice shots he takes daily.

With four seconds left, Flag’s contested two-point attempt missed, ending what might be the most thrilling rookie duel ever. Both players set new career scoring records tonight. The Duke stars shone brightly this evening, and in NBA history, it’s hard to find two rookies who have put on such an outstanding duel.

Today, Flag and Kang combined for 83 points, the highest total by two rookies in over fifty years of NBA history. Their maturity and immediate impact on the game are truly impressive.

The NBA rookie single-game scoring record is 55 points by Jennings. Flag shot 20-for-29 from the field, 3-for-5 from three, and 6-for-6 from the free-throw line, finishing with 49 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block. Although just shy of becoming the youngest 50-point scorer ever, 49 points is still remarkable.

Kang Knuppel played 36 minutes, shooting 10-for-16 from the field, 8-for-12 on threes, and 6-for-6 from the line, scoring 34 points with 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal, plus a +7 plus/minus rating. In fact, he was once 9-for-8 on threes, chasing the rookie single-game record of 9 threes. Unfortunately, Kang rested too long in the fourth quarter and didn’t attempt any threes then.

After hitting three straight threes in the third quarter, defenders guarded Kang strictly from a step beyond the three-point line, never allowing him an easy shot on the line. Compared to Flag, Kang’s ability to break through defenses physically is somewhat weaker, as Flag’s natural talent is on another level, but Kang’s strength lies in his deadly accuracy.

After this game, Flag’s scoring average rose to 19.5 points per game, ranking first among rookies, with Kang second at 18.9 points. Flag’s basic stats generally overshadow Kang’s, and their usage rates differ significantly, but Kang’s 42.9% three-point shooting is extraordinarily high and terrifyingly consistent.

It has been many years since the NBA had co-Rookies of the Year. If there’s controversy over who should get the award this year, why not let these two roommates share it? That would be the start of a great story.