Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg becomes first teen in NBA history to score 50 points in a game
Flagg first teen to score 50-plus in NBA game
Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg scored 51 points Friday to become the first teenager in NBA history to reach that mark. The 19-year-old No. 1 overall pick from the 2025 draft posted the outburst in a 138-127 loss to the Orlando Magic at American Airlines Center. Flagg erupted for 24 points in the fourth quarter after head coach Jason Kidd and teammate Naji Marshall were ejected for protesting a no-call on the rookie.
Flagg appreciated the support. "It’s great to see," he said. "I already know that coach has my back and Naji ... I know he has my back for sure out there. Just seeing their emotion, seeing them fight for me and fight for the calls. Definitely some emotion and motivated me even further."
The Mavericks trailed by 30 points when Flagg began his scoring run, extending their home losing streak to 14 games—the longest since they dropped the first 19 at the since-demolished Reunion Arena during the 1993-94 season. In 65 games this season, Flagg averaged 20.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists while jockeying for Rookie of the Year honors with former Duke teammate Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets. Kidd backed Flagg for the award. "He should be rookie of the year," Kidd said. "It’s unbelievable. ... He’s in rare air. He’s with the GOAT when you talk about MJ and what he did in his rookie year."
Flagg focused on team success despite the milestone. "It’s always fun getting into that type of mode," he said. "The basket feels big. My teammates are looking out for you, helping you out. But I like to win. That was my main focus. It’s hard for me to fully enjoy myself out there when we’re down 20, down 10, down 15, for the majority of the game."
The Mavericks (24-53) host the Los Angeles Lakers (50-27) on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. ET.
