From the first-time standout himself, 18-year-old Cooper Flagg proved to be extraordinarily multifaceted beyond his well-documented talent. That night, he knew that his 35-point NBA game debut made him the youngest player in history to reach that mark. On Saturday night, Flagg guided the Dallas Mavericks to a stunning comeback 114-110 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. This historic victory occurred at the Intuit Dome.
Flagg’s performance was exceptional from the outset. He set the tone for an explosive offensive performance right from the jump, as he opened the game by scoring 12 points in the first quarter. By halftime, he had already tallied 21 points, demonstrating his ability to dominate the court at an age where most athletes are still developing their skills.
As the game continued, Flagg started unraveling, making a few expensive turnovers in the 4th quarter. He kept his head under pressure and fought back, sinking eight pivotal points in the last 2 minutes, 47 seconds. His clutch performance included a pivotal 28-footer with just 1:52 left on the clock, securing the lead for the Mavericks that they would not relinquish.
This accomplishment now places Flagg in elite company. He now joins LeBron James as the only other player to score 35 points at such a young age. James achieved this remarkable milestone twice in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ rookie year.
After his stellar NCAA Tournament run, the spotlight is finally shining on Flagg. Just days leading up to his record-breaking affair, he shocked the world by posting 11 dimes in a game against the Lakers. With this accomplishment, he now holds the record for the most assists by an 18-year-old.
Mavericks head coach and Hall of Famer point guard Jason Kidd has been impressed with Flagg’s on-court maturity. It sometimes feels like he’s been in this league before, but he’s only 18,” he said. This appreciation captures not just Flagg’s scoring ability, but his coolness in high-pressure situations.
After the game, Flagg to have an aggressive mindset, and you know, the coach wants you to play that way. “Being aggressive right now is obviously right for me, and that’s what Coach has stressed to me,” he said. His understanding of the game and willingness to adapt have proven invaluable as he navigates the transition to professional basketball.
3 Even Flagg’s path to this point hasn’t been entirely smooth, with the Alamo Bowl sharing that he had previously struggled in back-to-back games. His stellar play against the Clippers is proof that he’s finally starting to break through these mental hurdles. As for Davis, he’s starting to get his groove in the league.
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