The Dallas Mavericks’ season has been filled with frustration, but rookie Cooper Flagg continues to shine as one of the few consistent bright spots. Despite another disappointing team result, Flagg delivered a historic performance Saturday night against the Sacramento Kings, placing himself alongside Luka Dončić and LeBron James in exclusive NBA territory.
Cooper Flagg Makes NBA History In Mavericks-Kings Game
Flagg struggled to find his rhythm early, going scoreless in the first quarter while recording one rebound and two assists. Dallas trailed by as many as 15 points at halftime, but the rookie helped spark a second-half comeback that ultimately fell short as Sacramento held on for a 113–107 victory.
The 19-year-old finished the night with 23 points, six rebounds, and five assists, shooting an efficient 7-of-13 from the field. It marked Flagg’s third consecutive game with at least 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists, making him just the third teenager in NBA history to accomplish the feat after James and Dončić.
However, Flagg made it clear postgame that individual milestones mean little without wins.
“We just didn’t come out with great energy,” Flagg said postgame. “Our starter guys gotta be better with that, getting us off to a great start, me included. Obviously, I had a terrible first half. But not a lot of energy for us. We gotta be better coming out ready to play. I think that’s a big part of it.”
Flagg received limited help from the rest of the lineup. P.J. Washington was the only other Maverick to score more than 15 points, finishing with 17. Dallas also continued to feel the absence of Anthony Davis, who missed his 17th game of the season.
When Davis has been available, the Mavericks have looked far more balanced. Since his return earlier this month, Dallas had gone 6–4, with Davis averaging 11.8 rebounds and nearly two blocks per game in December. His defensive presence has allowed Flagg to play more freely on offense and the duo has shown promising chemistry.
Without Davis on Saturday, Flagg was forced to take on additional playmaking duties, shifting into a point guard role after Naji Marshall entered the starting lineup in place of Ryan Nembhard. Even with the added responsibility, Flagg continued to impress.
Through 32 games, the rookie is now averaging 19.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, shooting 49.4% from the field.
The Mavericks have fallen to 12–21, sitting 12th in the Western Conference, and face a quick turnaround as they prepare to take on the Portland Trail Blazers on December 29.