Cooper Flagg ties Kevin Durant and Anthony Edwards after 40
Despite a tough overtime loss to the Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks newcomer Cooper Flagg delivered the most memorable performance of his career so far on Monday.
Flagg dropped a career-best 42 points in the 140-133 loss to become the youngest player in NBA history to score at least 40 points. He will turn 19 on Sunday.
He too broke the record of Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James for the highest score by an 18-year-old. Against the Jazz, he shot 13 of 27 and added seven rebounds, six assists, one steal and two blocks.
Furthermore, Flagg tied the Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant and guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves Anthony Edwards for fourth in points by a teenager, according to an ESPN story.
Edwards scored 42 points twice in 2021, while Durant did the same in 2008.
Flagg, Durant and Edwards trail only the late Clifford Robinson (45 points in 1980), Memphis Grizzlies guard GG Jackson (44 points in 2024) and James (43 points in 2004).
With the season still a long way to go, Flagg has many chances to set a new record. He has been impressive lately, scoring most of the goals for the Mavericks despite the return of Anthony Davis.
Over the last seven games, the No. 1 overall pick is averaging 25.7 points on 54.8% shooting, 5.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks. The Mavericks were 5-2 in those seven outings.
There were concerns about Flagg’s effectiveness after his rough start, but it’s clear he’s grown more comfortable with Dallas’ system and the physicality of the NBA.
The Mavericks will play the Detroit Pistons on Saturday.
2025-12-16 06:58:00
