Cooper Flagg Breaks NBA Teen Scoring Record
In a thrilling game on Thursday night, Dallas rookie Cooper Flagg made history by scoring 49 points. This achievement earns him the record for the most points scored by a teenager in NBA history. Flagg led the Mavericks against the Charlotte Hornets, but the team ultimately lost 123-121.
Record-Breaking Performance
Cooper Flagg, who turned 19 in December, surpassed the previous teen scoring record of 45 points held by Cliff Robinson. Robinson set this record while playing for New Jersey against Detroit on March 9, 1980. Flagg’s performance also broke the franchise’s rookie scoring record previously shared with Mark Aguirre, whose jersey was honored during halftime.
Quotes from the Game
- “Mark Aguirre is special. Such a special night for him and the whole organization,” said Flagg, reflecting on the significance of the night.
- Mavericks coach Jason Kidd commented, “We saw history at halftime, and we got to see a young man play the game at a very high level.”
Matchup with Kon Knueppel
This game held special meaning for Flagg, as he faced Kon Knueppel, his former roommate at Duke. Knueppel, drafted fourth overall, scored 34 points and made two crucial free throws with just 4.1 seconds on the clock. Flagg praised his former teammate, stating, “He played like the best player we’ve played all season.”
Game Highlights
The match started slowly for Flagg, who initially struggled, shooting just 1 for 4 in the opening quarter. However, he rallied, scoring 23 points in the second quarter alone. His shooting statistics for that period included 8 of 9 field goals made, 2 of 3 three-point attempts, and a perfect 5 for 5 from the free-throw line.
Scoring Comparisons
| Player | Points Scored | Three-Pointers Made |
|---|---|---|
| Cooper Flagg | 49 | 2 |
| Kon Knueppel | 34 | 8 |
Both rookies are strong contenders for the NBA Rookie of the Year title. Flagg is currently averaging 19.5 points per game, while Knueppel follows closely with an average of 18.9 points. They are set to meet again on March 3 in Charlotte.
Looking Ahead
After an unforgettable night, Flagg expressed that both players would remember this game for years to come. Their performances solidified their status as players to watch in the league, ensuring that their rivalry and friendship will be a narrative to follow moving forward.
