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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 more than 50 points in a game, scoring 51 points during the team’s 138-127 loss to the Orlando Magic at American Airlines Center. While Flagg himself had a great game, winning is his main goal for him.
“It’s always fun to get into that kind of mode,” Flagg said. “The basket feels big. My teammates are looking out for you, helping you. But I like to win. That was my main focus. It’s hard for me to fully enjoy it when we’re down 20, down 10, down 15, for most of the game.”
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Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg watches from the bench during the second quarter against the Orlando Magic at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, on April 3, 2026. (Jerome Miron/Imagn Images)
Flagg erupted for 24 points in the fourth quarter after head coach Jason Kidd and teammate Naji Marshall were ejected after complaining about a nondecision on the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Flagg was grateful for the support of 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. Just seeing their excitement, seeing them fight for me and fight for decisions. Definitely some emotion, and it motivated me even more.”
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Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd speaks with referee Eric Lewis after he was ejected in the second half of an NBA game against the Orlando Magic in Dallas, Texas, on April 3, 2026. (Tony Gutiérrez/AP Photo)
The Mavericks trailed by 30 when Flagg began his scoring spree in the fourth quarter in what ended up being their 14th consecutive home loss. It is the longest home losing streak since the Mavericks lost their first 19 games at Reunion Arena, demolished since 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 the Rookie of the Year award. Kidd thinks Flagg should win the award, comparing him to Michael Jordan.
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Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg dunks the ball in front of Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, on April 3, 2026. (Jerome Miron/Imagn Images)
“He should be rookie of the year,” Kidd said. “It’s unbelievable. The country isn’t seeing what we see every day. It’s in a weird air. It’s with the GOAT when you talk about MJ and what he did his rookie year. And as a teenager, seeing what Cooper is doing, just the excitement, the joy, playing, win or lose, his spirit, it’s 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.
