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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 had a great fight himself, winning is his main focus.
“It’s always fun to get into that type of mode,” Flagg said. “The basket feels great. My teammates look out for you, help you. 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.”
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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 no-call on the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Flagg appreciated the support of his coach and teammates.
“It’s great to see,” Flagg said. “I already know coach has my back and Naji … I know he definitely has my back out there. Just seeing their emotions, seeing them fight for me and fight for the calls. Definitely some emotion, and motivated me even more.”
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Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd talks to referee Eric Lewis after he was ejected during the second half of an NBA game against the Orlando Magic in Dallas, Texas, on April 3, 2026. (Tony Gutierrez/AP Photo)
The Mavericks were down 30 when Flagg started his fourth-quarter scoring barrage in what ended up being their 14th straight home loss. It’s the longest home losing streak since the Mavericks lost their 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. Kidd thinks Flagg should win the award and compares him to Michael Jordan.
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Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg dunks the ball past 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 doesn’t see the same thing that we get to see on a daily basis. He’s in rarefied 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 does, just the excitement, the joy, playing the game, win or lose, now we’re not about winning or losing, his spirit.”
Flagg’s rookie season continues when the Mavericks (24-53) host the Los Angeles Lakers (50-27) on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. ET.
