The Dallas Mavericks’ season has been filled with frustration, but rookie Cooper Flagg continues to shine as one of the few consistent bright spots. Despite another disappointing team result, Flagg delivered yet again Thursday night against the Utah Jazz and has now joined three-time MVP Nikola Jokić in an exclusive NBA list.
Cooper Flagg Ties With Nikola Jokić for Unique NBA Feat
The Mavericks traveled to the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Thursday, riding a two-game winning streak over the Houston Rockets and Sacramento Kings. Despite entering the matchup as favorites against the Jazz, costly turnovers ultimately proved decisive in a narrow defeat.
Flagg logged a team-high 38 minutes and led the Mavericks with 26 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, three steals, and one block. Anthony Davis added 21 points and 11 rebounds before exiting with a hand injury, while Klay Thompson chipped in 23 points off the bench as Dallas fell 116–114.
The loss marked the Mavericks’ 24th defeat in 38 games, but Flagg’s rapid ascent toward franchise star status remains one of the season’s bright spots. The rookie currently leads Dallas in points (708), rebounds (243), assists (159), and steals (47), joining Jokić as the only other player to accomplish that feat this season.
Flagg added several more milestones during the contest. According to the NBA, he joined Jason Kidd and Luka Dončić as the only Mavericks rookies to record 25+ points, 10+ rebounds, 5+ assists, and 3+ steals in a single game. He also now ranks third all-time among teenagers in 25/5/5 games, trailing only LeBron James and Luka Dončić.
Through 38 games, Flagg is averaging 19.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 48% from the field, positioning himself as a clear Rookie of the Year frontrunner.
MORE: Mavericks Phenom Cooper Flagg Makes Feelings Clear on Joining the NBA Slam Dunk Contest
Mavericks play-by-play announcer Chuck Cooperstein recently shared massive praise on the 19-year-old’s development.
“Cooper has been everything anyone could hope for,” Cooperstein said. “His skill and competitiveness are off the charts. He plays like a guy who has been in the NBA for 10 years, not three months.”
Dallas has endured an up-and-down season and currently sits 11th in the Western Conference with a 14–24 record. While the team had shown signs of improvement following Davis’ return, his latest injury once again clouds the Mavericks’ outlook.
The Mavs will look to rebound on Saturday when they travel to face the Chicago Bulls.