HOUSTON — Following an impressive performance that set a franchise rookie scoring record, Cooper Flagg added another remarkable outing to his resume on Saturday night, scoring 34 points in a tightly contested match against the Houston Rockets. However, the game concluded with Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd expressing displeasure over the officiating, specifically regarding Flagg missing out on potential free throw opportunities late in the game.
In the Mavericks’ 111-107 defeat to the Rockets, Kidd was notably frustrated after Flagg’s attempt to tie the game with 25 seconds left. His drive to the basket resulted in a missed layup, and Kidd firmly believed that a foul should have been called against Flagg’s defender, Amen Thompson.
“I saw a foul,” Kidd stated. “The referees were terrible tonight. It’s a foul, and he needs to be at the free throw line. Now, does he make both? That’s up to the player, but the referees did not do their job.”
Flagg’s commendable play came on the heels of his historic 49-point game against the Charlotte Hornets—the highest-scoring game ever recorded by an NBA teenager. Against the Rockets, Flagg showcased his ability to dominate, hitting 13 of 25 attempts, with a striking 11 of those coming from within the paint.
Remarkably, according to ESPN Research, Flagg’s combined 50 points in the paint against the Hornets and Rockets marks the highest total by a rookie within a two-game span since the play-by-play era began in the 1997-98 season.
Rockets star Kevin Durant recognized Flagg’s rising talent, stating, “He’s figured it out. He understands that he’s tough to stop.”
Reflecting on the pivotal possession where Kidd felt a foul should have been called, Flagg acknowledged feeling contact during his drive but focused on maintaining composure. “It’s part of the game,” Flagg shared. “It’s not the first time I’ve missed calls, and it probably won’t be the last. I just got to keep playing through it.”
The rookie guard’s performance included achieving a double-double with 12 rebounds and five assists, marking him as the only teenager in NBA history to record consecutive 30-point double-doubles. Though he shot 7-of-10 from the free throw line against the Rockets—a team known for their aggressive defense—it was only the fifth instance this season that Flagg has taken ten or more free throws in a single game.
Kidd underscored Flagg’s resilience as a player, noting that he faces many missed fouls but remains undeterred in driving towards the basket.
“He’s going to continue to keep going until they blow the whistle,” Kidd said. “He’s not going to get discouraged.”
Flagg, who has yet to publicly voice discontent regarding officiating, appreciated Kidd’s vocal support in standing up for him.
“I feel like JK has a lot of trust in me, and I have a lot of trust in him,” Flagg said, highlighting the growth in their relationship. “That’s just having my back.”
As Flagg continues to develop his skills and build a solid rapport with his coach, Mavericks fans remain hopeful for the young star’s bright future in the NBA.