Cooper Flagg Trails Only LeBron James, Kobe Bryant for Special NBA Record; Joins Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards After 42-Point Game

Cooper Flagg was drafted as the No. 1 pick by the Dallas Mavericks this year. After Luka Doncic’s unexpected departure, Dallas fans needed a ray of hope this season. That ray of hope came in the form of Flagg. The Duke Blue Devils star showed his worth in college and has continued to do so in his rookie season with the Mavs as well.

In 26 games this season, Flagg has averaged 18.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. Despite the Mavs’ struggles, Flagg has proved that he can become the team’s next face. He recently got his career-high game when he scored 42 points with seven rebounds and six assists in 42 minutes against the Utah Jazz.

Despite his sublime display, the Mavs lost to Utah. The game ended 140-133 in the Jazz’s favor after overtime. Although Flagg could not lead his team to victory, he certainly made a mark on the NBA history books.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ESPN (@espn)

Cooper Flagg now has the most points in a game as an 18-year-old. He trails only LeBron James and Kobe Bryant for most points in the NBA before turning 19, with 479 points in 26 games. With his 42-point career high game, Flagg also joined Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards, and LeBron as only the fourth teenager to register 40 points and five assists in a game in NBA history. He is the only one among the four to do so at the age of just 18.

Fans React to Cooper Flagg Making His Mark on NBA History

Fans online were in awe of Cooper Flagg’s achievement and were excited for the future possibilities.

“Ok I was freaking out too early, he’s going to be him,” one fan said.

“Ok but Kobe was coming off the bench,” one fan remembered.

“Don’t sleep on Flagg yet dude has a long way ahead,” another fan

“Flagg and Knueppel gone feed families for the next decade,” one fan claimed.