Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg Makes NBA History with 40-Point Game

Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg has made NBA history by becoming the youngest player to score 40 points in a game. On December 15, 2025, during a thrilling matchup against the Utah Jazz, Flagg scored an impressive 42 points. Unfortunately, the Mavericks lost 140-133 in overtime.

Historic Achievement by Cooper Flagg

Flagg, who is set to turn 19 on December 17, showcased his skills with 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal. This performance places him among an elite group, making him only the third teenager in NBA history to score at least 40 points while also achieving 5 rebounds and 5 assists. The other two are LeBron James and Kevin Durant.

Flawless Game Performance

• Points: 42
• Rebounds: 7
• Assists: 6
• Blocks: 2
• Steals: 1

In the previous seven games, Flagg averaged 25.7 points. He tied Mark Aguirre for the most points scored in a single game by a rookie in Mavericks history. His 42 points are also tied for the fourth-most scored by a teenager in NBA history.

Comparative Statistics

Game Highlights

The game was thrilling, with the Mavericks initially leading until the Jazz made a strong late-game rally. Keyonte George scored 37 points, and Lauri Markkanen added 33 for the Jazz. They overcame a 124-116 deficit by scoring 11 consecutive points in the final minutes.

Flagg’s attempt to tie the game with a crucial free throw fell short, and despite scoring shortly thereafter, the Mavericks struggled in overtime, making just 1 out of 9 shots. The absence of starting centers, Anthony Davis for the Mavericks due to a calf injury and Jusuf Nurkic for the Jazz, impacted the game significantly.

This remarkable achievement by Cooper Flagg not only highlights his talent but also marks a significant milestone in NBA history. His future appears bright as he continues to impress on the court.