Cooper Flagg has made history in the NBA by setting a new single-game scoring record for players aged 18 and under, eclipsing LeBron James’ previous mark of 37 points. In a thrilling match against the Utah Jazz on Monday, the Dallas Mavericks rookie delivered a remarkable performance, tallying a career-high 42 points despite his team’s 140-133 overtime loss.
Flagg’s impressive stat line included seven rebounds and six assists, with his shooting percentages standing at 13-of-27 from the field and 15-of-20 from the free-throw line. This standout performance places him in elite company, as he now ranks third in NBA history for points scored by a player before their 19th birthday, trailing only the legendary James and Kobe Bryant.
In addition to his scoring achievement, Flagg reached 20 points before halftime against the Jazz, underscoring his capability to compete at a high level against seasoned opponents. With his 19th birthday approaching this Sunday, he has two more games left to add to his impressive resume as an 18-year-old.
As Flagg continues to shine on the court, his rising star serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and bodes well for the future of the Mavericks and the NBA at large. His perseverance and skill on the floor exemplify the potential of young talent in today’s game.