Cooper Flagg was supposed to be the future of the Dallas Mavericks. Ten games into his second NBA season, the 19-year-old is making a compelling argument that the future has already arrived.
On Monday night, Flagg delivered another extraordinary performance, exploding for 43 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and three steals in Dallas’ thrilling 125-122 victory over the Indiana Pacers.
But the most remarkable part of his performance wasn’t simply the impressive stat line. It was the history he made along the way.
With his fifth career 40-point game, Flagg established a new NBA record for the most 40-point performances by a teenager, surpassing every player who entered the league before his 20th birthday.
He also recorded his seventh career game with at least 35 points, tying LeBron James for the most such performances by a teenager in league history.
And there’s more. Flagg joined Kevin Durant as the only teenagers in NBA history to record at least 40 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a single game.
For a player who won’t celebrate his 20th birthday until December 21, the accomplishments are almost difficult to comprehend.
Against Indiana, Flagg was spectacularly efficient, shooting 16-of-25 from the field, 3-of-6 from three-point range and a perfect 8-of-8 from the free-throw line. He scored 30 of his 43 points after halftime, helping Dallas erase a 13-point deficit against a Pacers team that had dominated much of the first half.
With the Mavericks protecting a narrow lead in the closing seconds, Flagg created separation against Andrew Nembhard and buried a difficult step-back jumper to put Dallas ahead by four.
Kyrie Irving provided the perfect supporting act, finishing with 35 points and seven made three-pointers as the Mavericks secured their third consecutive victory and improved to 7-4.
Together, the two stars combined for 78 points.
But Monday’s masterpiece was merely the latest chapter in what has become an extraordinary start to Flagg’s sophomore campaign.
Through ten appearances, the reigning Rookie of the Year is averaging 25.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 2.2 steals, shooting 50 percent from the field.
Perhaps even more impressive is the improvement in his overall efficiency. After averaging 21.0 points on 46.8 percent shooting during his rookie campaign, Flagg has increased his scoring production while also assuming greater playmaking responsibilities.
His true shooting percentage has climbed from 54.8 percent last season to 61.2 percent, suggesting that his development isn’t simply the result of taking more shots.
He’s becoming a more efficient offensive player. And his progress extends well beyond scoring.
Against Miami in October, Flagg recorded 29 points, 11 assists and five steals, showcasing his ability to influence games on both ends of the floor. Against Brooklyn on Sunday, he registered 25 points and a career-high 12 assists in just 28 minutes.
The combination of size, defensive instincts, court vision and rapidly developing shot creation is what makes Flagg such an unusual young talent.
The Mavericks aren’t simply asking him to score. They’re increasingly trusting him to initiate offense, create opportunities for teammates and make important decisions with games on the line. And he’s responding with the confidence of someone considerably older than 19. His historic scoring achievements also put his development into remarkable perspective.
During his rookie season, Flagg became the youngest player in NBA history to score 50 points in a game, erupting for 51 against Orlando in April. Now, barely a month into his second season, he has already moved ahead of every other teenager in NBA history in 40-point performances.
The comparisons to LeBron James and Kevin Durant are inevitable, although matching individual scoring records doesn’t guarantee a similar career trajectory. But what Flagg is accomplishing at his age is undeniably special.
He has already established himself as one of Dallas’ most important players, and his partnership with Irving is beginning to look increasingly dangerous.
Five 40-point games before turning 20. Seven performances with at least 35 points. And nearly 26 points per game to begin his second season. Cooper Flagg was drafted to become the face of the Mavericks’ future. He’s wasting remarkably little time making that future a reality.
