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DALLAS, TX -DECEMBER 25 : Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks leaves the court against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half at American Airlines Center on December 25, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
The Dallas Mavericks fell short against the Golden State Warriors on Monday (March 23), ending their slim chances of making the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
All that’s left for the Mavericks this season is watching their young rookie superstar Cooper Flagg continue to develop and work on building his early legacy with the franchise.
A 30-plus-point outing against the Warriors at home on Monday was another key step towards making Mavericks history this year for Flagg.
The rookie now has eight games with at least 30 points, surpassing Jamal Mashburn’s 1993-1994 total. One more, and Flagg beats out Luka Doncic in Mavs history.
Cooper Flagg Is Chasing Luka Doncic
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 15: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts after the Mavericks made a basket against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on December 15, 2024 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
During the Slovenian superstar’s 2018-2019 rookie run, he scored at least 30 points on eight occasions. He totaled 260 points while shooting 53.1% from the field in those matchups.
For Flagg, he exceeded 260 points in seven matchups and achieved that feat while knocking down 56.6% of his shots. On Monday, Flagg added a 32-point game to the books.
StatMuse
30-point games as a rookie:
8 — Flagg 8 — Doncic
Cooper has 10 more games to pass Luka.
Jay Vincent is at the top of the list for the Mavs for his 1981-1982 season. Considering the Mavericks only have 10 games left in the 2025-2026 NBA season, his record will remain safe for another year. Vincent had 15 games of 30-plus points as a Mavs rookie, totaling over 500 points in that span.
Memory Lane With Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic, Lakers
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – APRIL 09: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers is introduced before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on April 09, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Doncic starred for Real Madrid from 2015 to 2018, before he was selected third overall in the 2018 NBA Draft.
The Mavericks made a swap with the Atlanta Hawks to acquire the guard. During his rookie season, Doncic won the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award. He averaged 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.0 assists.
The 19-year-old Doncic hit on 42.7% of his shots from the field.
He ended up playing seven seasons with the Mavericks. Doncic was and remains one of the most prominent players in the NBA. When the Mavericks cut ties with their former face of the franchise, the decision went down as one of the most shocking moves in the history of the NBA.
Now with the Los Angeles Lakers, Doncic remains a prominent player. Leading up to the March 23 slate, Doncic is the league’s top scorer, as he posts 33.4 points per game.
Cooper Flagg’s Rookie Season Is Winding Down
Cooper Flagg
GettyCooper Flagg is a Rookie of the Year favorite in the NBA.
There won’t be playoffs for Flagg in year one–just like Doncic–but the Rookie of the Year award is in his sights.
In the 59 games leading up to Monday’s action, Flagg was averaging 20.1 points per game. He also posted averages of 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists. The 19-year-old is shooting 46.9% from the field, taking 16.4 shots per game.
The former Duke superstar is living up to the No. 1 pick hype in Dallas, and he’s got some time left to build on his year-one legacy.