Cooper Flagg Sets 18‑Year‑Old Scoring Record in Loss to Jazz

On Monday night, Cooper Flagg lit up the scoreboard with 42 points, eclipsing LeBron James’ 37‑point benchmark set in 2003 and becoming the most‑scoring 18‑year‑old in NBA history.

Record‑Setting Performance

The 42 points were part of a 140‑133 loss to the Utah Jazz, a game that saw Flagg also collect seven rebounds and six assists, joining only four other rookies in the past fifteen years to post a 40‑point, five‑rebound, five‑assist line.

Game Recap

Despite the personal milestone, the Mavericks fell short, with the Jazz rallying for an 11‑0 run late in regulation and dominating the overtime period, during which Flagg did not score.

Physical Toll

After rolling his ankle at the end of regulation, Flagg carried a bag of ice on his leg into the locker room, a reminder that even record‑setting performances can come with physical tolls.

Recent Performance

Over the last seven games, the rookie has averaged 25.7 points, and against Utah he was 15‑of‑20 from the free‑throw line, underscoring his aggressive playmaking and scoring consistency.

Coach’s Praise

Dallas coach Jason Kidd praised Flagg’s growth, saying, “The more time he spends on the floor, the more he sees, the better he gets. He displayed it all tonight.”

Player’s Perspective

Flagg reflected on his development, stating, “It’s come a long way from the start of the season, so I’m proud of that fourth quarter. It’s a new game … but I am getting more and more comfortable … and just settling in, honestly, just being myself and letting the game come to me.”

Fourth‑Quarter Play

In the fourth quarter, he scored 12 points and engineered a play that pushed the game into overtime. By intentionally missing a free throw with a dramatic carom, teammate Max Christie rebounded with 3.9 seconds left, drawing a foul that kept the game alive.

Future Implications

With key players like Anthony Davis absent and other teammates sidelined by injury, the game may signal a shift toward Flagg as the Mavericks’ offensive focal point in the coming seasons.

Teammate’s View

P.J. Washington commented, “We were going to Coop. He was killing them the whole game, so they finally tried to double him.” He added, “It doesn’t surprise me at all. I know exactly what he’s capable of. He’s a special player so there will be a lot more to come.”

Record Tie and Reflection

Flagg also tied Mark Aguirre for the most points by a rookie in Mavs history, yet he admitted, “I gotta be better. I had a couple of dumb turnovers, missed a couple easy ones, but I gotta be better, executing down the stretch like that.”

Focus on Improvement

When asked about the significance of the record, Flagg said, “I’m not really focused on a lot of that stuff (the records). I’m more just focused on being present, day to day, and trying to get better and and getting our team as many wins as we can.”

Closing

While the record remains a historic personal achievement, the loss and the injuries surrounding the team underscore the challenges ahead. Flagg’s resilience and focus on improvement will likely shape the Mavericks’ trajectory in the seasons to come.