Cooper Flagg has the biggest regret after his historic 42-point game in last year’s loss to the Jazz
on monday, Cooper Flagg did his best for the Dallas Mavericks. Despite scoring 42 points, the Mavericks lost to the Utah Jazz 140-133.
After the game, Flagg offered his own self-criticismper ESPN.
“I’ve got to get better. I had some dumb turnovers, missed some easy ones, but I’ve got to get better, making runs,” Flagg said.
Despite the loss, Flagg made history. He tied with Kevin Durant and Anthony Edwards to become the fourth-highest scoring teenager in NBA history. Plus, Flagg surpassed LeBron James for the most points scored by an 18-year-old.
Furthermore, Flagg matched Marco Aguirre for the most points scored by a Mavericks rookie.
But to hear Flagg tell it, it’s not satisfying for him.
“I’m not really focused on a lot of things (records). I’m more focused on being present, day in and day out, and trying to get better and our team getting as many wins as possible,” he said.
“Obviously we didn’t win. So it’s hard for me to want to be happy or anything,” said Flagg, who had an ice pack on his ankle after rolling it at the end of the game. “But obviously, it’s a success.”
Cooper Flagg has a Kobe Bryant– as a way of thinking.
With his work ethic and maturity, Flagg very much embodied the ethos of the late Kobe Bryant. As a young rookie coming out of high school in 1996, Bryant possessed the same qualities.
He was wise beyond his years, highly skilled, and had an unmatched work ethic. Much of that comes from growing up in the shadow of his father, former NBA player Joe “Jellybean” Bryant.
Plus, much like Bryant, Flagg isn’t biding his time. His time has now come. And in many ways, he can’t sit back and wait, given the state of the organization.
Overall, the Mavericks are in good hands.
2025-12-16 16:15:00
