Cooper Flagg Joins Rare Company with 42-Point Night for Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks may be struggling to find their footing this season, but Cooper Flagg is already making sure his name is etched in NBA history. Despite a loss to the Utah Jazz that dropped Dallas to 10-17, the No. 1 overall pick delivered a performance that turned heads across the league - and put him in elite company.
Flagg, just shy of his 19th birthday, exploded for 42 points on 13-of-27 shooting from the field and an impressive 15-of-20 from the free throw line. He added seven rebounds and six assists, showing once again that his game is far more than just scoring.
It was a complete performance - the kind of night that makes you stop and realize: this kid isn’t just good for his age. He’s good, period.
And the history books agree.
With his 42-point outing, Flagg became just the fourth teenager in NBA history to record at least 40 points and five assists in a single game. The other three?
LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Carmelo Anthony. That’s not just a strong list - that’s a Hall of Fame trajectory if he keeps this up.
It’s not the first time Flagg has rewritten the record books this season. Earlier in the year, he broke LeBron’s record as the youngest player ever to score 35 points in a game.
Now, he’s the first 18-year-old to drop 40. That’s not just a milestone - that’s a statement.
And here’s the thing: this isn’t a one-off. Flagg has scored in double figures in all but one game this season, and he’s posted at least 15 points in each of the Mavericks’ last seven contests. He’s not just flashing potential - he’s producing consistently, even as Dallas searches for wins.
For a team still trying to find its rhythm, Flagg has been the bright spot. His poise, scoring touch, and ability to impact the game in multiple ways have made him must-watch TV, even as the Mavericks work through growing pains. He’s not just holding his own - he’s leading.
And if you’re wondering just how rare it is for a player this young to hit the 40-point mark, here’s a look at the exclusive club he just joined. These are the players who’ve scored 40 or more points in an NBA game before their 21st birthday:
- Cooper Flagg (18 years, 359 days) - 42 points (2025-26, DAL)
- LeBron James (19 years, 88 days) - 41 points (2003-04, CLE)
- Ja Morant (19 years, 119 days) - 44 points (2023-24, MEM)
- Kevin Durant (19 years, 200 days) - 42 points (2007-08, SEA)
- Anthony Edwards (19 years, 225 days) - 42 points (2020-21, MIN)
- Anthony Edwards (19 years, 273 days) - 42 points (2020-21, MIN)
- Carmelo Anthony (19 years, 306 days) - 41 points (2003-04, DEN)
- LeBron James (19 years, 330 days) - 43 points (2003-04, CLE)
- Cliff Robinson (19 years, 362 days) - 45 points (1979-80, NJ)
- LeBron James (19 years, 364 days) - 40 points (2004-05, CLE)
- John Drew (20 years, 22 days) - 41 points (1974-75, ATL)
- Eric Gordon (20 years, 29 days) - 41 points (2008-09, LAC)
- John Drew (20 years, 47 days) - 44 points (1974-75, ATL)
- Brandon Jennings (20 years, 52 days) - 55 points (2009-10, MIL)
- Jalen Green (20 years, 60 days) - 41 points (2021-22, HOU)
- Kevin Durant (20 years, 70 days) - 41 points (2008-09, OKC)
- Carl Braun (20 years, 72 days) - 47 points (1947-48, NYK)
- LeBron James (20 years, 80 days) - 56 points (2004-05, CLE)
- Victor Wembanyama (20 years, 85 days) - 40 points (2023-24, SA)
- LeBron James (20 years, 88 days) - 44 points (2004-05, CLE)
- John Drew (20 years, 89 days) - 40 points (1974-75, ATL)
- Ja Morant (20 years, 89 days) - 43 points (2019-20, MEM)
- Anthony Edwards (20 years, 97 days) - 48 points (2021-22, MIN)
- LeBron James (20 years, 100 days) - 40 points (2004-05, CLE)
That’s a list filled with All-Stars, franchise players, and a few legends. And now, Cooper Flagg is right there with them.
The Mavericks may be in the middle of a tough stretch, but their future looks bright - and it’s wearing No. 32.