Cooper Flagg’s career night goes down in NBA rookie history
Dallas Mavericks newcomer Cooper Flagg continues to prove why he is destined for greatness in the NBA.
Against the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday nightthe former Duke Blue Devils star managed to make history in just three quarters, like him tormented the defense mercilessly of the visiting team at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.
“Cooper Flagg had 40 points, 7 rebounds and 2 aces through 3 quarters. He’s the first teenager in the game-for-game era to score 40 points in three quarters, and also the first rookie in the game-for-game era to accomplish that feat,” Mike Morning New of the Dallas social network shared on Twitter.
Flagg also set a career high when he drained another bucket on a gutsy drive to the basket with just over four minutes left in the game.
Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg set a career high with 44 points tonight against the Hornets.
His previous career high for points scored in a game was 42. pic.twitter.com/9vHijur0g9
— Joey Mistretta (@JoeyMistretta_) January 30, 2026
That gave him 44 points on the night, surpassing his 42-point performance in an overtime loss on the road at the Utah Jazz in December.
In some ways, that basket defines why Flagg is one of the best rookies — if not the best — today. He could have settled for an easier shot, but chose to use his size, length and ability to get the ball down the floor for a higher percentage shot. His poise and patience in just his first season in the pros help set him apart.
Unfortunately for Flagg, who finished with 49 points, his huge night came to naught as Dallas suffered a 123-121 loss.
The Mavs fell to 19-29 and are now on a three-game losing streak.
They will look to break out of their slump on Saturday against Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center in Houston.
2026-01-30 04:08:00
