Dallas Mavericks rookie phenom Cooper Flagg etched his name in NBA history during Monday’s road matchup against the Utah Jazz. The 18-year-old surpassed one of Los Angeles Lakers superstar forward LeBron James’ longstanding scoring records, achieving a never-before-seen feat for his age.
Cooper Flagg Becomes First 18-Year-Old in NBA History To Score 40-Plus Points
Flagg finished with 42 points, seven rebounds, six assists, one steal, two blocks, and one 3-pointer, shooting 13-for-27 (48.1%), while knocking down 15 of his 20 free-throw attempts (75%). In doing so, he not only comfortably surpassed his previous scoring career-high (35 points) but also shattered James’ single-game record for the most points by an 18-year-old.
James, then a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, scored 37 points on Dec. 13, 2003, a little over two weeks before his 19th birthday. As for Flagg, he is just six days away from turning 19, closing out his 18th year of life with a bang.
With his 42-point eruption, the 2025 No. 1 pick also tied Mark Aguirre for the most points by a rookie in Mavericks franchise history. Aguirre, a fellow No. 1 draft selection, achieved the milestone way back on Nov. 14, 1981.
What’s the Most Points by a Rookie in NBA History?
As for Flagg’s overall historical standing, he finished 16 points short of the all-time single-game rookie scoring record of 58 points, set twice by NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain on Jan. 25 and Feb. 21, 1960. The Hall of Famer is one of eight players to cross the 50-point threshold in their rookie campaign.
Unfortunately for Flagg, his electric career night wasn’t enough to secure a victory, as his Anthony Davis-less squad fell 140-133 in overtime. Jazz star forward Lauri Markkanen and guard Keyonte George combined for 70 points as Utah rallied to extend the game after trailing by eight points in the final minutes of regulation.
Flagg and Co. went ice cold down the stretch of the extra period, shooting just 1-for-9 (11.1%) as they were outscored 11-4 at Delta Center. Prior to the letdown, Dallas (10-17) had won two straight contests and five of its last six outings.
The Mavericks will look to bounce back during Thursday’s home clash against the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons (21-5).
