Teenager Flagg makes history in Mavericks defeat

Cooper Flagg achieved the landmark of being the youngest player in NBA history to score 40 or more points in a game as the Dallas Mavericks fell 140-133 in overtime against the Utah Jazz.

The top pick in this year’s Draft, the 18-year-old forward recorded 42 points, along with seven rebounds and six assists at Delta Center in Salt Lake City.

Only Cliff Robinson (45), GG Jackson (44), and LeBron James (43) have surpassed Flagg’s points scored in a game as a teenager, while he matched Mark Aguirre’s record for a Mavericks rookie.

Turning 19 this Sunday, Flagg is only the third teenager in NBA history – alongside James and Kevin Durant – to achieve 40 points, five rebounds, and five assists.

The Mavericks were leading 75-71 at halftime – at which point Flagg had amassed 24 points – and were ahead 124-116 late into the fourth quarter.

However, after surrendering their eight-point advantage and trailing 129-127, they needed two free throws from Max Christie with fewer than five seconds left to equalize.

The Jazz took control in overtime, securing their 10th victory of the season, with Keyonte George contributing 37 points and Lauri Markkanen 33.

The Jazz currently sit 10th in the Western Conference, while the Mavericks position is 12th.

The 6ft 8in Flagg made history as the first freshman to earn Maine Player of the Year honors when he led Nokomis Regional High School to the state championship in 2021.

He later moved to Montverde Academy in Florida, securing the 2022 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year and 2024 National High School Player of the Year distinctions.

Flagg was a member of the USA team that clinched victory in the 2022 Under-17s World Cup and received all-tournament team recognition.

In the 2024-25 season, Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists during his debut season with Duke University.

The team advanced to the Final Four, and he was honored as National College Player of the Year.

Flagg, who debuted for the Mavericks against the San Antonio Spurs in October, maintains averages of 17.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists across 25 games.