Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg captured the NBA Rookie of the Year award on Monday, edging former Duke teammate Kon Knueppel. The 19‑year‑old became the first rookie since Michael Jordan in 1984‑85 to top his team in points, rebounds, assists and steals, a feat that cemented his place in league history. The honor, the sixth award announced this postseason, capped a night of individual recognitions.

Flagg and Knueppel finished first and second in rookie scoring, the first former college mates to do so since UConn’s Emeka Okafor and Ben Gordon in 2004‑05. Meanwhile, the Mavericks endured a turbulent campaign, yet Flagg’s record‑setting season lifted morale. Across the league, Victor Wembanyama earned Defensive Player of the Year, Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander swept the Clutch Player honor.

On the same night Oklahoma City Thunder knocked out Phoenix Suns 131‑122, completing a four‑game sweep and preserving their perfect 12‑0 record in first‑round series over the past three seasons. Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander poured in 31 points, while Chet Holmgren added 24. The Thunder now await the winner of the Lakers‑Rockets matchup, positioning themselves for a deep Western Conference run.