There was a lot of hype around Cooper Flagg when he was taken first overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA Draft last summer.
Flagg starred at Duke in his only year in college, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game, while shooting 48.1 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from beyond the arc. Not only was he a gifted scorer, but the Maine native was praised for his defensive versatility and motor as well.
While he had a slower start to his NBA career, Flagg has turned it on of late, averaging 25.7 points per game over his last seven outings. That strong run of form crescendoed into a 42-point explosion in an overtime loss to the Utah Jazz on Monday night.
In doing so, the 6-foot-9 forward became the first 18-year-old in NBA history to score 40 points in a game.
The previous record for most points in a game by an 18-year-old was held by none other than LeBron James, who had set the benchmark at 37 during his rookie season in 2003-24.
Flagg became only the fourth teenager in NBA history to score at least 40 points and nab five rebounds in a game, joining an illustrious list which includes Anthony Edwards, Kevin Durant and James.
He also passed Tracy McGrady for the most NBA points before turning 19, with just two all-time greats in Kobe Bryant and LeBron ahead of him on that list.
Despite the major accomplishment, the rookie sensation was modest in his post-game media availability, lamenting the loss rather than basking in the glory of his big night.
“Obviously, we didn’t win. So it’s tough for me to want to be happy, or any of that, but obviously it’s a success,” Flagg told reporters following the loss.
Flagg acknowledged the strides he's taken in recent weeks and talked about getting more comfortable in his new surroundings.
“It’s come a long way from the start of the season, so I’m proud of that fourth quarter,” Flagg said. “It’s a new game ... but I am getting more and more comfortable ... and just settling in, honestly, just being myself and letting the game come to me.”
His teammates, however, did not hesitate to shower praise on the talented rookie.
“We were going to Coop. He was killing them the whole game, so they finally tried to double him,” Mavericks forward P.J. Washington said. “It doesn’t surprise me at all. I know exactly what he’s capable of. He’s a special player so there will be a lot more to come.”
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