SALT LAKE CITY — Cooper Flagg scored the most points among 18-year-old players in NBA history, but was unable to enjoy this achievement because it turned out to be a defeat.
Flagg had 42 points, surpassing the previous mark of 37 set by LeBron James December 13, 2003 — in loss with a score of 140-133 To Utah Jazz on Monday evening.
“Obviously we didn't win. So it’s hard for me to want to be happy or anything like that, but obviously it’s a success,” said Flagg, who had an ice bag on his ankle after rolling it late in regulation.
Flagg, who turns 19 on Sunday, had seven rebounds and six assists, along with two blocks and a steal in his career start as the No. 1 overall pick. He is the third teenager in NBA history to score at least 40 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists, joining LeBron James and Kevin Durant.
“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 getting more and more comfortable… and honestly just getting used to it, 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 powerful carom that a teammate Max Christie got the rebound with 3.9 seconds left and was fouled.
WITH Anthony Davis With Dallas losing several teammates to injury, this game could be a harbinger of things to come as Flagg becomes the centerpiece of the Mavericks' offense.
“We were going to Kup. He was killing them all game, so they finally tried to double him.” PJ Washington said. “This doesn’t surprise me at all. I know exactly what he is capable of. 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 need to be better. I had a couple stupid turnovers, I missed a couple easy ones, but I have to be better doing 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 and trying to get better and get as many wins as possible for our team,” Flagg said.
The Associated Press and ESPN Research contributed to this report.
