Cooper Flagg made NBA history on Saturday night. The Dallas Mavericks rookie became the youngest player ever to score 35 points in a game, leading the team to a 114-110 comeback victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. He accomplished the feat at just 18 years and 343 days, five days younger than LeBron James did in 2003 when he first turned 35.
Flagg, in his 20th NBA game, shot 13-for-22 from the field, grabbed eight rebounds and controlled the game for much of the game. His performance also helped the Mavericks break off a three-game losing streak.
Kidd, Thompson praise Flagg’s composure
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd didn’t hesitate when asked about his rookie performance. “He’s only 18, but he seems to have been in this league before,” Kidd said. He highlighted Flagg’s ability to run the offense, attack the paint and handle late-game pressure. “Just his composure on both ends. [impressed me]. His competitive level is very high. “
Flagg also impressed the night before against LeBron James and the Lakers, when he dished out 11 assists, the most by an 18-year-old in an NBA game. Teammate Klay Thompson echoed the praise. “Cooper’s strengths are endless,” Thompson said. “He has all the tools to be a great player. Sometimes I can’t believe he’s a freshman in college.”
Aggression drives Flagg’s breakthrough
Flagg, who was aggressive all game long, capped his night with a power dunk over Ivica Zubac. He credits Kidd with pushing him to stay in offensive mode. “Being aggressive right now is obviously the right thing for me and that’s what coach emphasized to me,” Flagg said. He added that he has to believe in his work and accept the mistakes that come with playing boldly.
Thompson also contributed his own wonderful performance. He hit four 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, including a go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:51 left in the game. He scored 23 points, including 17 in the final quarter.
Clippers continue to struggle
Kawhi Leonard scored 30 points and grabbed 8 rebounds for the Clippers. James Harden contributed 29 points, 11 assists and 8 rebounds. John Collins scored 21 points and Zubac had 19 points and 11 rebounds. Despite outstanding individual efforts, Los Angeles fell to 5-15 and lost its seventh straight home game at the Intuit Dome.
Dallas improved to 6-15 by forcing 18 turnovers and scoring 20 points, capped by Flagg’s historic night.
