Cooper Flagg Breaks LeBron’s Teen Scoring Record Despite Mavs Loss

Post by : Mina Rahman

In a stunning NBA showdown, Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg made history on Monday night with an incredible 42-point outing against the Utah Jazz. At only 18 years old, he eclipsed LeBron James’ long-held record of 37 points set back in 2003, marking a significant milestone in basketball history.

However, the celebratory atmosphere was dampened by the Mavericks' 140-133 overtime defeat in Salt Lake City. Post-game, Flagg emphasized that personal achievements pale in comparison to team victories, particularly after enduring an ankle injury towards the end of regulation.

In addition to his scoring prowess, Flagg delivered a well-rounded performance, contributing seven rebounds and six assists. This puts him into an elite category of rookies who have managed to score at least 40 points while gathering five rebounds and five assists in a single game over the last 15 years.

With several teammates sidelined by injuries, Flagg has quickly become the centerpiece of the Mavericks’ gameplay. Head coach Jason Kidd lauded Flagg for his swift progression, pointing out his heightened confidence and keen court vision.

Flagg was pivotal in the fourth quarter, netting 12 points and cleverly missing a free throw to extend the game into overtime. However, during the extra period, Utah closed out strong, and Flagg found himself scoreless.

Even with the record-setting achievement, Flagg remains focused on improvement and contributing to his team's success. For this emerging star, the historic night is less a final destination and more a stepping stone in his promising career in the NBA.