Cooper Flagg broke LeBron James’ record for most points scored by an 18-year-old in NBA history on Monday during the Dallas Mavericks’ 140-133 overtime loss to the Utah Jazz. The No. 1 overall pick in last June’s draft finished with 42 points, surpassing James’ previous mark of 37 points from December 2003 with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
With Dallas trailing by three points in the final 15 seconds of regulation, Flagg executed a crucial sequence. He fouled out, made his first free throw and then intentionally missed the second. Mavericks guard Max Christie rebounded the miss and was fouled, forcing overtime.
Flagg scored 40 points in the regular season and added two more in overtime. He shot 9 of 17 inside the lane and converted 15 of 20 free throws. The Newport, Maine native scored 24 points in the first half alone.
The 42-point performance tied the Mavericks rookie record previously set by Mark Aguirre in November 1981. Aguirre remains Dallas’ only other No. 1 overall pick. Flagg also contributed seven rebounds, six assists and two blocks in the loss.
The rookie struggled early in the season when Dallas played him at point guard. Since moving forward again, Flagg has shown why he was the consensus top prospect. His previous career high was 35 points against the LA Clippers on November 29.
“It’s hard,” Flagg said. “I want to look at it [in] wins and losses. Obviously we didn’t win. It’s hard for me to want to be happy, but obviously it’s a success and we’re going to try to get better and better from here.”
Jason Kidd was asked if this milestone is just the beginning of his top pick.
“I think we said that when we drafted him,” Kidd said. “I think he understands that the more time he’s on the floor, the more he sees, the better he gets. And he showed that tonight.’
Flagg turns 19 on Sunday. Dallas plays Detroit on Thursday and Philadelphia on Saturday for his birthday.
“It’s cool,” Flagg said, “but it would have been great to win. That’s what I’m more focused on.”
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