The rookie’s historic scoring run continues, as Dallas ends home losing streak against Los Angeles
Category: Sports
If the Los Angeles Lakers weren't already in a heap of pain, they certainly were after Cooper Flagg put a hurtin’ on them Sunday night.
The Mavericks rode their red-hot rookie superstar to a 134-128 win over the Lakers for their first victory at American Airlines Center since January 29. They stopped a 14-game home losing streak to improve their record to 25-53.
With no Luka Doncic and no Austin Reaves – both sitting with injuries – the Lakers fell to 50-28. Flagg’s performance was monumental, as he became the first rookie to score 40 points in a game against LeBron James.
Flagg followed up his 51-point outburst on April 3 with a 45-point showing against the Lakers, making him the first rookie to put up back-to-back 40-point games since Allen Iverson in 1997. In addition to his scoring, he recorded nine assists and eight rebounds, solidifying his role as a key player for the Mavericks.
The 6-foot-9, 19-year-old Flagg was asked about the significance of scoring 96 points over two games. “I think it’s definitely some sort of statement," he said, "but it goes back to what I’ve said: I’m confident in myself and know what I’m capable of and I’ll just let the rest of that stuff figure itself out." His two-game total of 96 points is the most for a rookie since Wilt Chamberlain.
Flagg’s performance helps his Rookie of the Year candidacy against Charlotte's Kon Knueppel, his former teammate at Duke, and showcases his potential to be a star in the league. Coach Jason Kidd praised Flagg's versatility and consistent performance. “I don’t know if he’s making a closing statement, I think he’s just doing what he’s been doing all season," Kidd said. "Being able to play different positions, never complained, and he’s delivered for us.”
During the game, Flagg got off to a fast start, scoring 19 points in the first quarter and finishing the first half with 26 points. He shot 14-of-27 from the field, including 2-for-4 from three-point range, and went 15-for-17 from the free-throw line.
LeBron James, the veteran superstar, scored a team-high 30 points, along with 15 assists and nine rebounds, but it was Flagg who captured the spotlight. The matchup between the two players marked a historic moment, as they became the first players in NBA history to score 20 or more points in the same game with one player aged 40-plus and another a teenager.
Flagg’s scoring prowess was evident as he slithered into the gut of the Lakers' defense, coaxing in a midrange jumper that put the Mavericks up 126-116 with just over three minutes remaining. He received support from teammates P.J. Washington and Naji Marshall, who helped maintain the lead down the stretch.
James, who continues to defy age, expressed admiration for Flagg’s talent. “It’s crazy to watch LeBron at 41 doing what he’s doing and obviously Coop is only 19," said Washington, who contributed 15 points. "I think it shows how much talent we have in this league. LeBron’s one of the greatest of all time.”
But it was Flagg's night, as he showcased his abilities against a player he grew up watching. “I think it’s pretty cool," Flagg remarked. "Obviously, when I was a little kid (I was) watching him go through his whole career. It’s really impressive to watch him and see what he can still do out there. It’s a dream come true. These are the moments, to match up against somebody like that, obviously one of the greatest. It’s incredible.”
Kidd emphasized the significance of the matchup, noting that it should not be taken for granted. “The future is extremely bright," he said. "But before we put LeBron to rest, he’s showing the world at the age of 41 that he can still play the game at a high level. It just shows no matter what age, as long as you take care of your body and mind, you can do amazing things. And that’s what he’s doing.”
Flagg's historic performance was a bright spot in a season that has been marred by losing streaks and injuries for the Mavericks. Doncic, who leads the league in scoring at 33.5 points per game, is sidelined for the rest of the regular season due to a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. Reaves, who is second on the Lakers at 23.3 points per game, is expected to miss four to six weeks with an oblique injury.
As the Mavericks move forward, Flagg's emergence as a star player provides hope for the future. Kidd acknowledged Flagg’s potential, stating, “When you talk about the youth, Cooper’s part of that group. The NBA’s in good hands as we go forward.”
As the season progresses, to see how Flagg continues to develop and impact the game, especially as the Mavericks look to rebuild and strengthen their roster. The energy and excitement surrounding Flagg’s performances signal a promising future for both the player and the franchise.
Flagg's next opportunity to shine will come as the Mavericks face upcoming challenges, and fans closely to see how this young talent continues to make his mark in the NBA.