Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg has two of the five highest scoring games by an 18-year-old in NBA history.
His 42-point explosion in Monday’s overtime loss in Utah ranks first on the list and his former career-high of 35 points on Nov. 29 against the LA Clippers ranks fourth. The other three spots [second, third and fifth] belong to LeBron James, the league’s all-time leading scorer.
Flagg averages 18.4 points, which is second among rookies after his college teammate, Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets. His versatile ability to score has come in handy and is a big reason why the Mavericks have won five of their last seven games.
Did Jason Kidd and the rest of the Mavericks know he was capable of being a volume scorer this early into his career?
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“Yeah,” Kidd said after Wednesday’s practice. “When you look at him in high school, him in college, he can score the ball. So I would say yes. Now to scoring 30 or 40 this soon? Anything’s possible in this league and he’s one that’s taken full advantage of that.”
Flagg is averaging 25.7 points on efficient averages of 54.5% from the field from the field and 81.1% from the free throw line over the last seven games, helping the Mavericks to a 5-2 record during that stretch.
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Prior to his explosion in Los Angeles, which was essential because the Mavericks were without Anthony Davis and P.J. Washington, Flagg had to be urged to be more aggressive on the offensive end. That nudge came from Kidd and the rest of his teammates.
“I think he’s about the team and doing the right thing,” Kidd said. “For him, this is all new at this level so any conversation we have is to help him. Be extra eyes and ears for him.”
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“This all started against the Clippers. Being aggressive early and not waiting. I think sometimes he defers to AD or to others because they’re vets and they can score, too. I think he tries to do the right thing first, but for him, when guys are out he looks to be aggressive.”
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The Mavericks were without Davis on Monday, leading to his newest career-high of 42 points, which made him the youngest player in NBA history with a 40-point game. Flagg scored 40 points in regulation, but just two points in the extra period after rolling his ankle toward the end of the fourth quarter. He was not listed on the injury report and he’ll be available for Thursday’s home game against Detroit.
Kidd said they could’ve used Flagg in several ways down the stretch against the Jazz other than just as a scorer.
“Coop was going, but it doesn’t always mean you have to go to Coop,” Kidd said. “You can use Coop in different ways. It’s a learning experience for us. We had some shots that when others touch the ball, they’re trying to throw it to Coop instead of being aggressive. Coop would appreciate others being able to step up, too.”
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Flagg’s assertiveness will be key for the Mavericks to remain competitive going forward.
On Twitter/X: @MikeACurtis2
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