Flagg Sets Record with 40 Points as Mavs Stumble in OT

In a remarkable display of talent, Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg made history on Monday by becoming the youngest player in NBA history to score 40 points in a game. Flagg, who will celebrate his 19th birthday this Sunday, recorded an impressive 42 points during the Mavericks’ 140-133 overtime defeat against the Utah Jazz.

Cooper Flagg’s Historic Performance

In addition to his scoring, Flagg contributed significantly to the game with seven rebounds, six assists, two blocks, and one steal. His performance tied him with Mark Aguirre for the most points scored in a game by a rookie in Mavericks franchise history. Flagg is now only the third teenager to achieve at least 40 points, five rebounds, and five assists in NBA history, joining basketball legends LeBron James and Kevin Durant.

Recent Form

Over the last seven games, Flagg has been in outstanding form, averaging 25.7 points. His 42-point showcase also places him among the elite, ranking fourth for points scored by a teenager in NBA history.

Game Summary

• Final Score: Mavericks 133 – Jazz 140 (OT)
• Key Players:
  • Cooper Flagg (Mavs): 42 points
  • Keyonte George (Jazz): 37 points
  • Lauri Markkanen (Jazz): 33 points

The game saw the Mavericks taking a lead of 124-116 late in the fourth quarter, but the Jazz responded fiercely. An 11-0 run culminated in Isaiah Collier’s driving basket with 53.6 seconds left. Flagg attempted to tie the game but missed a crucial free throw after being fouled on the next possession. The Jazz’s Markkanen then made a contested jumper, and Flagg made one out of two free throws to bring the score to 129-127 with just 4.5 seconds remaining.

Overtime Struggles

The overtime period showcased the Jazz’s dominance, as the Mavericks struggled offensively, hitting only one out of nine shots. Although both teams were missing their starting centers, the Jazz leveraged inexperienced players effectively, which proved beneficial.

Historical Context

Cooper Flagg’s 42 points mark a significant milestone in NBA history. He now stands alongside some of the game’s greats:

This performance not only shows Flagg’s potential but also sets high expectations for the future as he progresses in his NBA career.