Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg brings the ball up court during an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls Sunday, April 12, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Albert Pena)

DALLAS — Cooper Flagg set a host of records for an NBA teenager in an also-ran season for Dallas Mavericks. Kon Knueppel helped the Charlotte Hornets to a 25-win improvement that almost led to a spot in the playoffs.

It’s no wonder they ended up in a tight Rookie of the Year race.

Flagg edged his former Duke teammate to win the award Monday night after becoming the first rookie since Michael Jordan in 1984-85 to lead his team in points, rebounds, assists and steals.

The 19-year-old Flagg and Knueppel were first and second in rookie scoring, the first former college teammates to do that since UConn stars Emeka Okafor and Ben Gordon in 2004-05. Philadelphia’s VJ Edgecombe was the other finalist.

Flagg and Knueppel traded places as betting favorites during the season, but Flagg’s 96-point outburst over two games on the second-to-last weekend might have tipped the scales. Flagg was the favorite going into the announcement.

Only 26 points separated Flagg and Knueppel in a balloting where 100 reporters and broadcasters who cover the league ranked their top three rookies, with five points going to first place, three to second and one to third.

Knueppel, who was a one-and-done at Duke just like Flagg but turned 20 before his NBA career started, became the first rookie to lead the league in 3-pointers with 273.

He averaged 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game.

Behind Knueppel, Charlotte won 44 games before being eliminated by Orlando in the final round of the play-in tournament.

Flagg averaged 21.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.2 steals in 70 games.

Edwards out a week

DENVER — Minnesota All-Star Anthony Edwards will be sidelined for at least one week with a hyperextension and bone bruise in his left knee. The Timberwolves formally announced the diagnosis before Game 5 of their first-round NBA playoff series at Denver.

Edwards had an MRI exam that confirmed the absence of structural damage. That was a relief to the Timberwolves after his injury occurred in the second quarter of their Game 4 victory over the Nuggets.

His availability for the second round if they advance will still be in question. Minnesota took a 3-1 lead on Denver into Game 5.

NBA overseas

The NBA and FIBA are reviewing bids for a new European league. NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum says the league is pleased with the interest from potential ownership groups in all 12 targeted cities.

Officials from the NBA, FIBA, and EuroLeague will meet in Geneva on Tuesday to discuss next steps. The league aims to start in October 2027. The NBA wants to expand its presence in Europe and grow the game commercially.

Targeted countries include Britain, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Greece, and Turkey.

Riley still working

MIAMI — Pat Riley insists he’s not retiring or stepping down as president of the Miami Heat. At 81, Riley remains committed to the team, despite missing the playoffs this season.

He expressed his love for competition and the franchise, saying he can still envision another championship parade. Riley emphasized that the power dynamic in the front office hasn’t changed. The Heat have had largely the same leadership during his tenure.

He acknowledged the team’s recent struggles and promised aggressive moves. Riley also discussed Tyler Herro’s surgery, a new training facility, and his dissatisfaction with the Terry Rozier trade settlement.

Pistons in trouble

ORLANDO, Fla. — — Desmond Bane scored 22 points, Franz Wagner had 19 in three quarters and the Orlando Magic beat the Detroit Pistons, 94-88, Monday to take a 3-1 series lead, putting the East’s No. 1 seed on the brink of elimination.

Orlando, which had to win an elimination game at home in the play-in tournament, is on the verge of becoming just the seventh No. 8 seed to defeat a No. 1 in a series in league history. It’s happened only four times since the playoffs were expanded to a best-of-seven series for all rounds in 2003.

Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 25 points.

Paolo Banchero scored 18 points for the Magic on 4-of-18 shooting. Orlando shot just 32.6%, with Jalen Suggs going 1 for 13, including 1 for 11 from 3-point range.

The Magic overcame their shooting woes by protecting the ball. They had only 12 turnovers to 20 for Detroit.