Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg etched his name into the NBA history books on Monday night, delivering a performance of historic proportions against the Utah Jazz. The number one overall pick scored a career-high 42 points, along with 7 rebounds and 6 assists. By doing so, Flagg became only the third teenager in NBA history to record a game with at least 40 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists (the 40/5/5 benchmark).
Flagg joins an elite and exclusive club, standing alongside only two other legendary players who achieved the 40/5/5 stat line before turning 20: LeBron James and Kevin Durant. The 18-year-old forward dominated the game, also setting a new NBA scoring record for an 18-year-old with his 42-point outburst, surpassing the previous record of 37 points set by LeBron James in 2003.
Despite Flagg’s incredible offensive display, which included making 15 of 20 free throws, the Mavericks ultimately fell to the Jazz in a high-scoring 140-133 overtime thriller. Flagg’s performance, however, silenced any early-season concerns about his transition to the professional game, displaying the all-around scoring and playmaking ability that made him the top draft pick.
The historic night confirms Cooper Flagg’s immense potential. By joining LeBron James and Kevin Durant in achieving the 40/5/5 milestone, Flagg’s rookie season has transitioned from promising to truly historic, signaling the arrival of the NBA’s next potential superstar.
