Flagg joined Kobe Bryant, LeBron James in NBA history
The Dallas Mavericks he may be struggling at the beginning of the season, but rookie Cooper Flagg continues to shine as one of the league’s most promising young players. With another good and efficient game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Flagg officially joined the historic company, becoming the third-youngest player in NBA history to record multiple 20-point games, trailing only Kobe Bryant and LeBron James on the all-time list.
Flagg, who is only 18 years old and 319 days oldnow he joins a prestigious group that includes Bryant, LeBron, Tracy McGrady and Jermaine O’Neal, names synonymous with early superstardom.
In eight games this season, Flagg averaged 14.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.6 blocks while shooting 39.4% from the field and 29% from three, showing advanced feel, poise and two-way versatility. His performances stood out even when Dallas struggled to close out games.
That trend continued on Tuesday night as the Mavericks fell 101-99 to the Pelicans. With the ball in his hands on the final possession, Flagg drove down the lane and picked off a runner who hit the backfield before Trey Murphy III secured the rebound. It was a tough finish to a fierce game, and a reminder that development often comes in inches.
Still, it’s hard to ignore what Flagg represents to the franchise right now: hope.
The Mavericks, now 2-6 on the season and losers of three straight, were looking for consistency on both ends. While the veterans have struggled and the rotation remains unsettled, Flagg’s energy, defensive instincts and willingness to make big shots have given Dallas one undeniable bright spot.
This is not the case of empty seed numbers. This is significant production followed by growth, confidence and early flashes of stardom.
As the Mavericks try to stabilizeCooper Flagg already looks like a player capable of shaping the direction of the franchise, sooner rather than later. The Mavericks will travel to Memphis for their next game on Friday.
2025-11-06 17:13:00
