Cooper Flagg reached a milestone in his NBA career in a thriller against the Blazers

The The Dallas Mavericks’ decision to part ways with Nick Harrison it appeared to pay dividends, as Dallas won its first game since his departure, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 138-133 in overtime Sunday night at the American Airlines Center, led by the 18-year-old rookie Cooper Flagg.

The first pick of the Mavericks in the 2025 NBA draft recorded historic statistics of 21 points, eight rebounds, five assists, two blocks and one steal. No 18-year-old in NBA history has ever posted those numbers in one gamewith only LeBron James matching the four categories without a block on three occasions. This was also his first career winaccording to StatsMuse.

Flagg’s influence was most visible in the second half and overtime. After entering halftime with just two points, the rookie opened the third quarter with 10 points, including a steal, a behind-the-back dribble and a Euro-step through contact for a three-point play. He contributed four points, two rebounds and an assist in overtime, including a full-court drive to PJ Washington that led to a transition dunk, giving Dallas a 132-129 lead with 1:39 left.

Washington also scored 21 points, including 18 on five 3-pointers, while Daniel Gafford added a game-high 20 points with six rebounds and three blocks. Klay Thompson provided impressive output off the bench, hitting five 3-pointers en route to 19 points.

Brandon Williams finished with 15 points and six assists, and Max Christie added 14 points for the Mavericks. Furthermore, seven Mavericks scored in double figures as the team shot 50.5% from the field and 44.1% from three-point range, overcoming seven turnovers in the first quarter.

The Blazers were led by Shaddon Sharp with 36 points and six assists, Danny Avdia with 29 points and seven assists and Jerami Grant with 26 points and five rebounds. Donovan Klingan added 16 points and 11 rebounds, and Tumani Kamara had a double-double with 11 points and 10 boards.

The win snapped a three-game losing streak and improved Dallas to 4-10. The Mavericks played without Anthony Davis, who continues to recover from a sprained left calf and has now missed nine straight games.

Dallas will look to carry the momentum into Monday’s road game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.