Mavs rookie Cooper Flagg scores 51 points to become first teen to reach 50 in an NBA game
AP News • • sports
Key Points:
- Cooper Flagg became the first teenager to score 51 points in an NBA game, leading the Dallas Mavericks in a 138-127 loss to the Orlando Magic despite the team's ongoing struggles.
- Flagg scored 24 points in the fourth quarter alone, overcoming a 30-point deficit and setting a new personal scoring record after previously scoring 49 points.
- Coach Jason Kidd and teammate Naji Marshall were ejected after disputing a missed foul call against Desmond Bane on Flagg, highlighting the emotional support around the rookie.
- Despite Flagg's historic performance, the Mavericks extended their home losing streak to 14 games, the longest since the 1993-94 season.
- Kidd praised Flagg as a top rookie candidate, comparing his impact to Michael Jordan's rookie year and emphasizing his potential to win Rookie of the Year.
