NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
Cooper Flagg completed a historic milestone performance on Saturday night as the Dallas Mavericks topped the Los Angeles Clippers.
Flagg dropped 35 points on 13-of-22 from the floor. He added 11 assists and eight rebounds.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg reacts during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in Inglewood, California. (AP Photo/William Liang)
The former Duke standout became the youngest NBA player to score 35 points. LeBron James was the only other 18-year-old NBA player to score 35 points when he did it with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2023. Flagg is five days younger than James.
“He’s only 18 years old, but he looks like he’s been in this league before,” Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd told reporters, via ESPN. “He did it all tonight. He had the ball. You can call it point guard or whatever, but he ran the offense for us. He ran the ball. The ball touched the paint. He got to the rim, got to the free throw line, stepped up and made free throws for us late. Just his composure on both ends (was impressive).
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) reacts after scoring in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in Inglewood, California. (AP Photo/William Liang)
LAKERS’ NBA CUP DIRECTION DEEMED UNSPECIFIC, AFTER TEAM’S SUPERSTAR SAYS IT WAS ‘DANGEROUS’ SURFACE
“He competes at a very high level. You saw that tonight, but you also saw that last night.”
Flagg had 21 points at halftime and helped Dallas on a 15-2 run that helped the Mavericks take a 33-28 lead in the second quarter. His previous career high was 29 points on Nov. 21 against the New Orleans Pelicans.
It was Flagg’s 20th game in his NBA career. He is averaging 16.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) dunks past Los Angeles Clippers guard Kris Dunn, bottom, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, in Inglewood, California. (AP Photo/William Liang)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP
But Dallas has struggled overall. Their win over the Clippers was just their sixth of the season.
