Cooper Flagg scored the most points by an 18-year-old player in NBA history, but he didn't get to enjoy the achievement because it turned out to be a loss.
Flagg scored 42 points — surpassing the previous mark of 37 set by LeBron James on Dec. 13, 2003 — in a 140-133 loss to the Utah Jazz on Monday night.
“Obviously we didn't win. So it's hard for me to want to be happy or anything, but obviously it's a success,” said Flagg, who had an ice bag on his ankle after rolling over it late in regulation.
Flagg also became the fifth rookie to score 40 points, five rebounds and five assists in the last 15 years, finishing with seven boards and six assists.
“The more time he spends on the court, the more he sees, the better he gets. He showed it all tonight,” Dallas coach Jason Kidd said.
Flagg has been playing his best basketball in recent weeks, with the No. 1 overall draft pick averaging 25.7 points over his last seven games. He also plays aggressive enough to get to the line, and he went 15-for-20 against Utah.
“It's been a long way since the season started, so I'm proud of this fourth quarter,” Flagg said. “It's a new game… but I'm feeling more and more comfortable… and just getting used to it, honestly, just being myself and letting the game come to me.”
He scored 12 points in the fourth quarter and made a trick play to send the game into overtime when he intentionally missed a free throw with such a big carom that teammate Max Christie grabbed the rebound with 3.9 seconds left and was fouled.
With Anthony Davis sidelined and Dallas losing several teammates to injuries, this game could be a harbinger of things to come as Flagg becomes the centerpiece of the Mavericks' offense.
“We were going for Koopa. He was killing them all game, so they finally tried to double him.” PJ Washington said. “It doesn't surprise me at all. I know exactly what he can do. He's a special player, so there's a lot more to come.”
Flagg also tied Mark Aguirre for the most points by a rookie in Mavs history as he begins to make his mark on the franchise. But he couldn't stop thinking about what he could do to win, despite his throbbing ankle. The Jazz made it 11-0 and then dominated overtime as Flagg didn't score a goal in the extra period.
“I've got to be better. I had a couple stupid turnovers, I missed a couple easy ones, but I've got to be better down the stretch like that,” Flagg said.
Setting records may feel good, but Flagg believes it just means he is constantly improving, which has been his goal all season.
“I'm not really focused on a lot of things (records). I'm more focused on being present day in and day out, trying to get better and getting our team as many wins as possible,” Flagg said.
