Cooper Flagg broke Kobe Bryant's NBA record after his performance in the Dallas Mavericks' 138-105 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night.
Flagg is spending the first season of his career with the Mavericks. After a slow start, he has made serious progress as he continues to live up to expectations as one of the best rookies in the draft.
In the running for the Rookie of the Year award this season, Flagg has continued to put in incredible performances that promise Dallas' long-term potential. After the team's latest game against Cleveland, the young forward achieved another record in NBA history.
In 29 minutes of action, Flagg finished with a stat line of 25 points, five assists and four rebounds. He made 8 of 16 shots from the field, including 1 of 3 from beyond the arc and 8 of 8 from the free-throw line.
Flagg recorded a 20-point game for the 25th time this season, having already achieved the record at the age of 19. He surpassed Bryant for most 20-point games by a teenager in NBA history.
Mavs rookie Cooper Flagg has passed Kobe Bryant for most 20+ point games by a teenager in NBA history.
🔸Cooper Flag: 25 20+ point games
🔸Kobe Bryant: 24 20+ point gamesEvery night he takes the court, he shows why he is one of the brightest young stars in the world... pic.twitter.com/tqkwYovZCt
- ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 14 March 2026
Cooper Flagg, how the Mavericks played against the Cavaliers
Cooper Flagg's historic efforts were not enough as the Cavaliers' offense was too much for the Mavericks in a blowout loss at home.
Five players, including Flagg, scored in double figures for Dallas in the loss. Najee Marshall came in next with a solid performance of 17 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one steal. He made 7 of 12 shots overall, including 2 of 4 from downtown and 1 of 4 from the charity stripe. Max Christie had 12 points, Brandon Williams added 12 points and three assists, while Dwight Powell provided 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Dallas fell to a 22–45 record on the season and finished 12th in the Western Conference standings. They are above the New Orleans Pelicans and Utah Jazz while trailing the Memphis Grizzlies and Portland Trail Blazers.
The Mavericks will look to bounce back in their next match at home. They will host the Cavaliers in a rematch as tip-off will take place on March 15 at 3:30 PM ET.
