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Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg etched his name into the NBA history books Monday night despite an overtime loss to the Utah Jazz.
Flagg scored 42 points in the 140-133 loss. He scored the most points by an 18-year-old in NBA history, surpassing the previous mark set by LeBron James on December 13, 2003, when he was a rookie with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
However, the loss weighed more on him.
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Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) drives toward the basket guarded by Utah Jazz forward Kyle Anderson (2) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)
“Obviously we didn’t win. So it’s hard for me to want to be happy, or anything like that, but obviously it’s a success,” Flagg said.
He also became the fifth rookie to record at least 40 points, five rebounds and five assists in the last 15 years. He finished with seven rebounds and six assists.
“He’s come a long way since the start of the season, so I’m proud of that fourth quarter,” Flagg said. “It’s a new game… but I’m getting more comfortable… and I’m adapting, honestly, by being myself and letting the game come to me.”
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg, right, looks to pass the ball while being guarded by Utah Jazz guard Isaiah Collier, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)
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Flagg also made history in November when he became the youngest player in NBA history to score at least 35 points.
Ultimately, the Mavericks are 10-17 and ranked 12th in the Western Conference. For Flagg, records are good, but doing so in a failed effort is not his goal.
“I’m not really focused on a lot of those things (the records). I’m more focused on being present, day by day, and trying to get better and get our team as many wins as we can,” he said.
Utah is 10-15 on the season and is 10th in the conference standings.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg, center, shoots over Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)
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Keyonte George led the Jazz with 37 points and made five 3-pointers. Lauri Markkanen added 33 points and 16 rebounds.
