Who is Cooper Flagg and what record did he break?

Cooper Flagg is an 18-year-old NBA rookie who recently scored 42 points, setting a new record for the most points scored by an 18-year-old in a single game.

How did Cooper Flagg's scoring compare to LeBron James?

Cooper Flagg scored 42 points, surpassing LeBron James' previous record of 37 points for an 18-year-old player in the NBA.

Did Cooper Flagg's team win their recent game?

No, despite Cooper Flagg's record-breaking 42-point performance, his Dallas Mavericks team lost in overtime to the Utah Jazz.

Home / Sports / Cooper Flagg Shatters NBA Scoring Record for Teens

Cooper Flagg Shatters NBA Scoring Record for Teens

16 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Flagg scored 42 points, breaking LeBron James' rookie record.
He surpassed Tracy McGrady's scoring record for a rookie.
Flagg's performance led to a close overtime loss for the Mavericks.

Cooper Flagg Shatters NBA Scoring Record for Teens

Eighteen-year-old rookie Cooper Flagg has made NBA history, scoring an astounding 42 points in a recent game. This remarkable performance shattered the previous NBA scoring record for 18-year-olds, held by LeBron James with 37 points. Flagg's scoring prowess also allowed him to surpass Tracy McGrady's rookie point total.

Despite Flagg's individual brilliance, his Dallas Mavericks team suffered an overtime defeat against the Utah Jazz. Keyonte George led the Jazz with 37 points, while Lauri Markkanen contributed 33 points, 16 rebounds, and 5 assists in the winning effort. This game highlighted Flagg's immediate impact in the league.

Basketball analysts and former players have lauded Flagg's exceptional talent. Described as "one of the best American-born basketball players we've seen in a long, long time," Flagg is seen as having limitless potential. His emergence is already impacting draft projections for future years, solidifying his status as a significant rising star.