Cooper Flagg isn’t just living up to the hype-he’s redefining what’s possible for a teenager in the NBA.
On Saturday night, the No. 1 overall pick didn’t blink, even with Kevin Durant on the court. In fact, Flagg seemed to thrive in the spotlight, following up his jaw-dropping 49-point, 10-rebound performance on Thursday with another monster outing.
This time, it was 34 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and a block-on 13-of-25 shooting. And in doing so, he made a little history.
According to ESPN Insights, Flagg became the first teenager in league history to record back-to-back 30-point double-doubles. Let that sink in.
Not LeBron. Not Luka.
Not even Durant, who was sharing the floor with him. Just Flagg.
Only two other teenagers have ever posted consecutive double-doubles with at least 25 points-LeBron James and Luka Dončić. That’s the kind of company Flagg is keeping just weeks after turning 19.
And yet, for the second straight game, the Mavericks couldn’t turn his brilliance into a win. Dallas fell to the Rockets despite Flagg’s heroics, as Houston’s balanced attack proved too much.
All five Rockets starters scored in double figures, with Amen Thompson nearly posting a triple-double-21 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists. Durant added 13 points, five boards, and eight dimes of his own.
It’s a frustrating trend for Dallas, watching their rookie phenom light up the scoreboard while the team continues to search for answers. But make no mistake-Flagg is the real deal.
He’s not just putting up empty stats. He’s controlling the game, making the right reads, and showing poise well beyond his years.
The Mavericks’ challenge now is clear: build around this kid, and build fast. Because what Flagg is doing isn’t normal.
It’s historic. And if this is just the beginning, the NBA better buckle up.