Cooper Flagg Etches Name in NBA History with 42-Point Explosion, But Mavericks Fall in Heartbreaking OT Loss to Jazz
On December 15, 2025, in a thrilling overtime battle at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg delivered a performance for the ages, scoring a career-high 42 points to become the youngest player in NBA history to reach 40 points in a game—and the first 18-year-old ever to do so. The No. 1 overall pick from the 2025 NBA Draft surpassed LeBron James’ long-standing record of 37 points as an 18-year-old (set on December 13, 2003), while also tying Mark Aguirre for the most points by a Mavericks rookie in franchise history.
Yet, in a bittersweet night, Flagg’s historic outburst came in a 140-133 overtime defeat to the Utah Jazz, leaving the 18-year-old phenom focused more on the loss than the milestone. “Obviously we didn’t win. So it’s tough for me to want to be happy, or any of that, but obviously it’s a success,” Flagg said postgame, with ice on his rolled ankle that limited him late.
A Game of Runs and Resilience
The contest was a high-scoring affair from the tip, with both teams trading blows in a shootout atmosphere. Flagg wasted no time asserting himself, exploding for 14 points in the first quarter on efficient 5-of-7 shooting, helping Dallas build an early lead. By halftime, he had 24 points, already a half-high for his young career, as the Mavericks took a 75-71 edge into the locker room.
The third quarter saw Dallas pull away, with P.J. Washington contributing a 3-pointer and three-point play during an 8-0 run that pushed the lead to 96-86. Flagg continued his dominance inside, finishing 9-of-17 in the paint and drawing fouls relentlessly—he attempted 20 free throws, converting 15.
Entering the fourth, Dallas led 103-94, but the Jazz mounted a comeback behind strong play from their young core. Utah tied it at 109-109 on a Kyle Filipowski 3-pointer, and the momentum swung. Late in regulation, with Dallas trailing 129-127 and time dwindling, Flagg drew a foul and sank the first free throw. He then intentionally missed the second with a high-arcing carom off the rim, allowing teammate Max Christie to grab the offensive rebound, get fouled, and hit both free throws with 3.9 seconds left to force overtime.
However, overtime belonged to Utah. The Jazz opened with an 11-4 run, and Flagg—hampered by his ankle injury—failed to score a field goal in the extra period (though he added a couple from the line). Dallas managed just 4 points in OT, shooting 1-of-9 from the field as the Jazz pulled away.
Flagg’s Stat Line and Historic Context
Flagg finished with 42 points (13-27 FG, 1-4 3PT, 15-20 FT), 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks in 42 minutes. His scoring distribution:
- Q1: 14 points
- Q2: 10 points (24 at half)
- Q3: ~6 points (estimated)
- Q4: 12 points
- OT: 2 points (free throws)
This performance marked Flagg’s fourth 30+ point game as a rookie and elevated him in several historical categories:
- Youngest to 40+ points: First 18-year-old ever; previous high for under-19 was LeBron’s 37.
- Tied 4th-most points by a teenager in NBA history.
- Tied Mavericks rookie record: Matching Mark Aguirre’s 42 (1981).
- Flagg now ranks third all-time in points scored before turning 19, trailing only LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.
Over his last seven games entering this matchup, Flagg had averaged 25.7 points, showcasing his rapid ascent as Dallas’ offensive centerpiece amid injuries (including Anthony Davis sitting out with a calf bruise).
Teammates and coaches raved about his poise. “He was killing them the whole game… He’s a special player, so there will be a lot more to come,” said P.J. Washington, who added 25 points and 13 rebounds. Coach Jason Kidd noted, “The more time he spends on the floor, the more he sees, the better he gets. He displayed it all tonight.”
Jazz Side: Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen Shine
The Jazz (now 10-15) earned their second straight win behind balanced scoring. Keyonte George led with 37 points (his second consecutive 30+ game) and 6 assists, while Lauri Markkanen contributed 33 points and 16 rebounds. Kyle Filipowski was clutch with 25 points, including 16 in the fourth and OT.
Utah capitalized on Dallas’ absences and fatigue, outscoring the Mavs in the paint late and dominating the glass when it mattered.
Implications for Both Teams
For the Mavericks (10-17), the loss snapped a stretch where they’d won five of six. With injuries piling up, Flagg’s emergence as a go-to scorer is a silver lining. The 6’9″ forward, drafted No. 1 out of Duke after a stellar freshman season, has silenced any early doubters about his transition to the pros.
Flagg turns 19 this week, and performances like this suggest he’s on a trajectory to rival the all-time greats. Yet his postgame demeanor—lamenting missed opportunities despite the record—highlights his winner’s mentality.
The Jazz, meanwhile, showed signs of life with their young talent stepping up. Wins like this could spark a turnaround in a rebuilding season.
In a league full of hype around its next generation, Cooper Flagg just delivered a statement: He’s not just the future—he’s arriving now. Even if the win column didn’t reflect it on this night.
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