Cooper Flagg etched his name into the NBA record books by becoming the youngest player to score 40 or more points in a game, pouring in 42 as the Dallas Mavericks fell 140–133 in overtime to the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City.
The 18-year-old number one draft pick added seven rebounds and six assists in a standout performance that saw him equal Mark Aguirre’s franchise record for a Mavericks rookie.
Only Cliff Robinson, GG Jackson and LeBron James have scored more points as teenagers, and Flagg became just the third teen in league history—after James and Kevin Durant—to post at least 40 points, five rebounds and five assists in a game.
Dallas led by eight late in regulation but surrendered the advantage before forcing overtime, where Utah took control to secure their 10th win of the season behind 37 points from Keyonte George and 33 from Lauri Markkanen.
Despite the loss, Flagg’s performance reinforced his rapid rise, following a decorated high school and college career and a strong rookie season in which he is averaging 17.5 points per game.
