Cooper Flagg Scores 42, Mavericks Fall 140–133 to Jazz in Overtime/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Cooper Flagg made NBA history as the youngest player to score 42 points in a game, surpassing LeBron James’ 2003 record. Despite his milestone night, Flagg and the Mavericks fell 140–133 in overtime to the Utah Jazz. The rookie standout emphasized team success over personal accolades.
Cooper Flagg’s Record-Breaking Night: Quick Looks
- Cooper Flagg scored 42 points, breaking LeBron James’ record for most points by an 18-year-old.
- The Mavericks lost 140–133 in overtime to the Utah Jazz.
- Flagg added 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and went 15-of-20 from the free-throw line.
- He became the fifth rookie in 15 years to record 40+ points, 5+ rebounds, and 5+ assists in a game.
- Flagg tied Mark Aguirre’s franchise rookie record for most points in a single game.
- He rolled his ankle at the end of regulation but played through it.
- Flagg intentionally missed a free throw to help force overtime.
- The Jazz closed regulation with an 11-0 run and dominated in OT.
- Dallas played without Anthony Davis and other injured teammates.
- Flagg says he’s focused on improvement, not records.
Deep Look
Cooper Flagg Makes History With 42-Point Performance, But Mavericks Fall in Overtime to Jazz
On a night when history was made, 18-year-old Cooper Flagg etched his name in the NBA record books — but his first reaction wasn’t celebration. It was frustration.
Despite dropping a career-high 42 points and becoming the youngest player in league history to do so, Flagg was more concerned with the final score: a 140–133 overtime loss to the Utah Jazz on Monday night in Salt Lake City.
“Obviously we didn’t win. So it’s tough for me to want to be happy,” Flagg said postgame, icing his ankle after rolling it late in regulation. “But obviously, it’s a success.”
A Historic Night in the Making
Flagg’s 42-point performance surpassed the previous record of 37 points by LeBron James in 2003, setting a new benchmark for 18-year-olds in the NBA. He also tied the Dallas Mavericks’ rookie single-game scoring record set by Mark Aguirre, adding 7 rebounds and 6 assists to round out an all-around dominant effort.
He’s now just the fifth rookie in the past 15 years to record at least 40 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in a game.
“The more time he spends on the floor, the more he sees, the better he gets,” said Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd. “He displayed it all tonight.”
Flagg’s ability to draw fouls and get to the line has been improving steadily — he went 15-of-20 from the charity stripe. Over the past seven games, the No. 1 overall pick is averaging 25.7 points per game and continues to show increased confidence in his offensive game.
Clutch Play — And Missed Opportunity
Flagg was at the center of a pivotal play at the end of regulation. With Dallas trailing, he intentionally missed a free throw in a strategic attempt to extend the game. The ball bounced off the rim perfectly and teammate Max Christie grabbed the rebound with 3.9 seconds remaining, drawing a foul and helping force overtime.
Despite the smart play, the Jazz closed the fourth quarter on an 11-0 run and carried that momentum into overtime. Flagg, who had scored 12 points in the fourth, was held scoreless in the extra period as the Jazz pulled away.
“I’ve got to be better,” Flagg said. “A couple of dumb turnovers, missed a few easy ones. It’s on me down the stretch.”
Emerging as a Franchise Cornerstone
With several Mavericks sidelined — including Anthony Davis — Flagg was the clear focal point of the offense. Teammate P.J. Washington praised the young star’s ability to carry the load.
“We were going to Coop. He was killing them all game,” Washington said. “They finally had to double him. It doesn’t surprise me at all. He’s a special player.”
Flagg has shown consistent growth since the start of the season, not only in scoring but in leadership. Despite the pain from his ankle and the sting of the loss, he remained focused on the bigger picture.
“It’s a new game,” Flagg said. “But I’m getting more and more comfortable… just settling in, honestly, just being myself and letting the game come to me.”
Eyes on Development, Not Records
When asked about the significance of breaking a record once held by LeBron James, Flagg brushed it off.
“I’m not really focused on a lot of that stuff,” he said. “I’m more just focused on being present, day to day, and trying to get better — and getting our team as many wins as we can.”
The Mavericks may have dropped the game, but Flagg’s continued evolution as a franchise player offers a bright spot for Dallas. If his upward trajectory holds, Monday night may only be the first of many record-breaking performances.
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