Cooper Flagg just delivered the kind of performance that turns heads-and rewrites the record books.
On Saturday night, the No. 1 overall pick showed exactly why the Mavericks are building their future around him, pouring in 35 points and pulling down eight rebounds in a 114-110 win over the Clippers. It wasn’t just a breakout night-it was a historic one.
Flagg, who won’t turn 19 until December 21, became the youngest player in NBA history to score 35 points in a game. That’s not just rare air-it’s LeBron-level territory.
To put it in perspective, LeBron James had two 35-point games as an 18-year-old rookie back in 2003. But Flagg edged him out by five days to become the youngest ever to hit that mark.
LeBron was 18 years and 348 days old when he dropped 37 on the Celtics. Flagg?
CAREER-HIGH NIGHT FOR NO. 1 PICK COOPER FLAGG 🔥
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 30, 2025
35 PTS | 8 REB pic.twitter.com/a2pEDAbvuC
He did it at 18 years and 343 days. That’s a sliver of time, but in NBA lore, it’s enough to carve out a new place in the history books.
And this wasn’t a one-off flash of brilliance. Just the night before, against LeBron and the Lakers, Flagg posted a double-double with 13 points and 11 assists-setting yet another record with the most assists ever by an 18-year-old in an NBA game. He also grabbed seven rebounds, flirting with a triple-double while going toe-to-toe with a Lakers squad powered by a combined 73 points from Austin Reaves and Luka Dončić.
Flagg’s early-season numbers are already turning heads. Through 20 games, the Duke standout is averaging 16.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. Those are solid rookie numbers in any era, but especially impressive considering the spotlight and expectations that come with being the top pick.
Saturday’s win also snapped a three-game skid for the Mavericks, who now sit at 6-15 on the season. It’s been a rocky start, and the franchise is clearly in transition following the firing of general manager Nico Harrison. But if there’s a silver lining-and let’s be honest, it’s a pretty bright one-it’s that Flagg is giving Dallas fans something real to believe in.
This wasn’t just a big night for a rookie. It was a glimpse of what could be the beginning of something special.
Flagg’s game is already mature beyond his years, and if he keeps this up, we may be looking at the next great face of the league. For now, though, it’s just one game-but what a game it was.