Dallas Mavericks' sensational rookie Cooper Flagg has created basketball history by breaking a prestigious NBA record previously held by Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James. The 18-year-old phenom became the youngest player ever to score 35 points in an NBA game during a thrilling encounter against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Historic Performance Against Clippers
In what can only be described as a career-defining moment, Cooper Flagg led the Dallas Mavericks to a spectacular 114-110 victory against the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome. This remarkable achievement came immediately after Flagg's impressive 11-assist performance in a closely contested game against the Lakers, demonstrating his incredible resilience and talent.
The young basketball prodigy didn't just break the record - he shattered it with authority. Flagg was exactly five days younger than LeBron James was when the Lakers legend first achieved the same feat back in December 2003. James had accomplished this milestone when he was 18 years and 348 days old, making Flagg's achievement even more extraordinary.
Coach Kidd's Glowing Endorsement
Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd couldn't contain his excitement during the postgame conference, offering high praise for his young star. "He's only 18 years old, but he seems like he's been in this league before," Kidd stated emphatically. "He did it all tonight. He had the ball. You can call it point guard or whatever, but he ran the offense for us."
Kidd particularly highlighted Flagg's composure and versatility, noting how the rookie drove the ball effectively, touched the paint consistently, and maintained impressive free throw accuracy during crucial moments. The coach emphasized that Flagg's competitive spirit was evident not just in this historic game but throughout the season.
Overcoming Back-to-Back Challenges
What made Flagg's record-breaking performance even more impressive was how he addressed previous weaknesses. The rookie had historically struggled in the second game of back-to-back matches, but this time he came out with explosive energy.
Flagg started strong with 12 points in the first quarter alone and had accumulated an impressive 21 points by halftime. Despite committing a few late turnovers, the young star demonstrated remarkable mental toughness by scoring eight crucial points in the final 2 minutes and 47 seconds, sealing both the victory and his place in NBA history.
This historic achievement adds to Flagg's growing list of accomplishments, having recently joined legendary Kobe Bryant's elite club after securing his first win of the 2025-26 season. The basketball world is now watching closely as this extraordinary rookie continues to redefine what's possible for young athletes in the NBA.
