Cooper Flagg made NBA history on Saturday night, becoming the youngest player ever to score 35 points in a game. The 18-year-old rookie led the Dallas Mavericks to a 114-110 comeback win over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Flagg shot 13 of 22 from the field and added eight rebounds in his 20th career game. He surpassed LeBron James, who previously held the record at 18 years and 348 days. Flagg was five days younger at 18 years and 343 days.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd praised Flagg's composure. 'He's only 18, but he seems like he's been in this league before,' Kidd said. 'He did it all tonight. He ran the offence, drove the ball, got to the rim and made free throws late.'
Flagg also impressed in Friday's game against LeBron's Lakers, recording 11 assists – an NBA record for an 18-year-old. Teammate Klay Thompson said, 'Cooper's upside is limitless. Sometimes I can't believe he should be a freshman in college.'
Thompson contributed 23 points, including four three-pointers in the fourth quarter, with his final triple putting Dallas ahead for good. Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 30 points, while James Harden added 29 points and 11 assists.
The Mavericks improved to 6-15, snapping a three-game losing streak. The Clippers dropped to 5-15, losing their seventh straight at the Intuit Dome.
