Is there still any doubt about the Rookie of the Year?

Kon Knupel delivered another signature performance of his rookie season. In today's victory over the Knicks, Kon played 36 minutes, shooting 9/14 from the field, 6/10 from three-point range, and 2/4 from the free-throw line, scoring 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists with a plus-minus of +15.

His exceptional three-point shooting accuracy is hardly a standout praise point anymore; it has become a routine part of his game. A month ago, his three-point percentage was 44.2%; now it stands at 43.8%, a slight dip. It's worth emphasizing again that this is the efficiency he maintains even when everyone knows this rookie is an outstanding shooter.

In the previous game against the Kings, Kon's three-point shooting was initially 1/4, and I thought he might falter. However, by the end of the game, his three-pointers improved to 4/7, as he hit three consecutive shots, resulting in another game with over 50% three-point accuracy.

It's no longer like the start of the season when opponents had little knowledge of Kon. Now, Kon is a primary defensive focus for opposing teams, facing significantly heightened defensive pressure, yet he still manages to maintain extremely high shooting efficiency.

Today, he twice scored over Towns' defense, hit various difficult stop-and-go three-pointers, and even sank a three-pointer from this spot during a fast-break transition—it's truly remarkable. Clarkson defended him like chasing Curry, but if Clarkson was even slightly slow getting through a screen, Kon seized the opportunity and scored.

Besides today's 26 points, he also contributed 11 rebounds and 8 assists, achieving a near triple-double. He appears harmless but is actually very strong, with excellent rebounding ability for his position, solid positioning, and good judgment of rebound trajectories.

Now, as his offensive threat increases, when calling for screens he often draws the defensive attention of two opponents, leading to a recent rise in his assist numbers. Kon is definitely not a pure shooter like Kennard; he can handle the ball in pick-and-roll situations and deliver good passes. He has already recorded his 4th game this season with at least 25 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 three-pointers, ranking second in rookie history, behind only Curry (7 times).

Today's game was undoubtedly a tough battle for Kon. The Knicks were on a 7-game winning streak and are a top-tier team, third in the East, with undeniable solid strength. Kon even suffered a right foot sprain during the game, yet he delivered a nearly perfect performance to defeat the Knicks.

Kon said: "We crave tough matchups, and this game was a marquee showdown. Every upcoming game for our team is intense, akin to playoff-level competition. These games are crucial for final standings positioning, and we strive to establish the best foundation for our playoff push."

Today's game also confirms my earlier statement that none of the top Eastern Conference teams want to face the Hornets. The 2026 Hornets are ferocious, stinging everywhere. In their last 16 games, they've won 13; in their last 29 games, they've won 23. Earlier this season, the Hornets were outside the play-in tournament, trailing the Magic by about 10 wins. Now, the Hornets, Magic, and Heat all stand at 39 wins and 34 losses, making the battle for the 8th to 10th seeds in the East extremely fierce.

After 72 games, Kon averages 19.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of 48.9% and a three-point percentage of 43.8%. His true shooting percentage is as high as 65.2%, surpassing most players who are primarily interior players.

He has made 253 three-pointers, leading the three-point rankings for a long time. However, Luka Doncic behind him is closing in rapidly, now at 242, making the season's three-point king competition still very intense. But remember, Kon is just a rookie.

In previous years, a rookie performance of Kon's historic caliber would have already secured the Rookie of the Year award. But this season, the suspense for Rookie of the Year isn't completely over, as he is closely pursued by another historic rookie, Flagg.

Yesterday, Flagg also delivered a standout performance with 26 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals, pushing the Nuggets to their peak form—Jokic with 23 points, 21 rebounds, 19 assists, and Murray with 53 points—to defeat the Mavericks.

Flagg averages 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game this season, with a field goal percentage of 47.3% and a three-point percentage of 28.7%. Many criticize Flagg's poor three-point shooting, especially from the left corner, where he has missed all 14 attempts this season.

But you must understand that Flagg only seriously began practicing ball-handling offense this season. In his college career, he played as a finisher at the three or four positions, rarely initiating offense with the ball. At the NBA's higher level, Flagg started as a point guard, essentially forcing himself to develop. Handling significant ball possession and facing higher defensive intensity, Flagg has made substantial progress by the latter part of the season.

Among rookies, Flagg has a low assisted scoring rate but is the top scorer among rookies. Throughout the season, his ball-handling offense has steadily improved, while defense remains his foundational strength. On his own merits, he is already a historic rookie, only his opponent is the even more astonishing Kon.

With about 10 games left in the season, who do you think will be the Rookie of the Year?