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Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg etched his name into the history books on Friday.
Flagg, 19, became the first teenager in NBA history to score over 50 points in a game, scoring 51 points during the team’s 138-127 loss to the Orlando Magic at the American Airlines Center. While Flagg himself had a great game, for him, winning is his main focus.
“It’s always fun getting into that type of mode,” Flagg said. “The basket feels big. My teammates are looking out for you, helping you out. But I like to win. That was my main focus. It’s hard for me to fully enjoy myself out there when we’re down 20, down 10, down 15, for the majority of the game.”
Flagg erupted for 24 points in the fourth quarter after head coach Jason Kidd and teammate Naji Marshall were ejected after complaining about a no-call on the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Flagg appreciated the support from his coach and teammates.
“It’s great to see,” Flagg said. “I already know that coach has my back and Naji … I know he has my back for sure out there. Just seeing their emotion, seeing them fight for me and fight for the calls. Definitely some emotion, and motivated me even further.”
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The Mavericks were down 30 when Flagg started his fourth-quarter scoring barrage in what ended up being their 14th consecutive home loss. It is the longest home losing streak since the Mavericks lost the first 19 games at the since-demolished Reunion Arena in 1993-94.
Flagg, who in 65 games this season has averaged 20.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, is in a heated race with former Duke teammate and Charlotte Hornets forward Kon Knueppel for Rookie of the Year. Kidd believes Flagg should win the award, comparing him to Michael Jordan.
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“He should be rookie of the year,” Kidd said. “It’s unbelievable. The country’s not watching the same thing we get to watch on a daily basis. He’s in rare air. He’s with the GOAT when you talk about MJ and what he did in his rookie year. And as a teenager, to see what Cooper’s doing, just the excitement, the joy, playing the game, win or lose, his spirit, is about winning. Right now we’re not.”
Flagg’s rookie season will continue when the Mavericks (24-53) host the Los Angeles Lakers (50-27) on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. ET.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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