Cooper Flagg Wins Rookie of the Year Since Jordan
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- Cooper Flagg wins NBA Rookie of the Year, edging former Duke teammate Kon Knueppel and VJ Edgecombe, and becomes the first rookie since Michael Jordan (1984‑85) to lead his team in points, rebounds, assists and steals.
- Kon Knueppel finishes second in rookie scoring and helped the Charlotte Hornets improve by 25 wins, nearly clinching a playoff spot.
- Dallas Mavericks see Flagg lead the team in four major statistical categories, a feat not achieved by a rookie in over four decades.
- Oklahoma City Thunder complete a 4‑game sweep of the Phoenix Suns 131‑122, extending their perfect 12‑0 first‑round record over the past three seasons.
- Victor Wembanyama is named Defensive Player of the Year, while Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander earns Clutch Player of the Year, underscoring a night of multiple NBA honors.
Why it matters: The Mavericks gain a historic rookie — the first since Michael Jordan (1984‑85) to top his team in four categories — which should boost ticket and merchandise sales, while the Hornets lose a comparable endorsement opportunity.
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