Even without Luka Doncic, it turned into an instant NBA thriller – and Cooper Flagg once again proved why he’s one of the league’s most exciting young stars.
Led by their sensational No. 1 overall pick, the Dallas Mavericks snapped their worst home losing streak in 32 years, delivering a statement win.
Flagg vs. LeBron: A historic night
For the first time in NBA history, a teenager and a 40-year-old player each scored 30+ points in the same game.
Flagg dominated with 45 points, 9 assists and 8 rebounds, while LeBron James responded with 30 points, 15 assists and 9 rebounds in a legendary showdown.
Historic rookie run
Flagg recorded back-to-back 40-point games for the first time in his career. Just two nights earlier, the 19-year-old dropped 51 points, becoming the first teenager in NBA history to reach that mark.
He is now the first rookie to post consecutive 40-point games since Allen Iverson in the 1996-97 season.
With four 40-point games this season, Flagg has already surpassed the three posted by LeBron as a teenager – further cementing his place among elite rookie company.
Most 40-point games by a rookie (last 50 years)
Michael Jordan – 7
Allen Iverson – 5
Cooper Flagg – 4
The numbers are stacking up – and so is the hype.