Cooper Flagg Erupts for Historic 49 Points, Sets NBA Teen Record
In one of the most electrifying individual performances of the 2025-26 NBA season, Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg etched his name into the history books by recording 49 points in a narrow 123–121 loss to the Charlotte Hornets, the most points ever scored by a teenager in a single NBA game.
Historic Scoring Outburst
At just 19 years old, Flagg delivered a scoring exhibition that eclipsed the previous teenage record of 45 points, set nearly half a century ago by Cliff Robinson in 1980. The forward’s 49-point night wasn’t just a career-high, it now stands as the NBA’s single-game scoring mark for any player under 20.
Flagg was spectacularly efficient, shooting 20-for-29 from the field and 6-for-6 at the free-throw line, while also contributing 10 rebounds and three assists in 38 minutes of action. His performance also saw him join an elite list of teenagers with multiple 40-point games in NBA history, including LeBron James and Anthony Edwards. A true testament to his rare scoring prowess.
A Bittersweet Night for Dallas
Despite Flagg’s historic night, the Mavericks were unable to secure the win. Former Duke teammate and Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel played a starring role for Charlotte, scoring a career-high 34 points and hitting the go-ahead free throws in the final seconds to seal the victory.
Flagg’s clutch three-pointer with under a minute remaining tied the game at 121-121, yet critical mistakes down the stretch, including a turnover and a missed potential game-tying jumper, left Dallas just short.
Franchise and League Significance
Flagg’s performance also broke the Dallas Mavericks’ single-game rookie scoring record, previously co-held with franchise legend Mark Aguirre whose jersey was honored during a halftime ceremony. The young star’s scoring explosion underscores his meteoric rise and suggests he could become a cornerstone of the Mavericks’ future.
Looking Ahead
Even in defeat, Flagg’s night will be remembered as one of the all-time great individual performances by a young player in NBA history. While the Mavericks continue to search for consistency, Flagg’s emergence provides hope and excitement for the franchise and its fans.
Whether this record stands for years to come, or becomes just one chapter in a legendary career, Cooper Flagg’s 49-point outburst places him squarely on the map as one of the NBA’s brightest young stars.
Source: Yahoo Sports
Dallas Mavericks logo Image credit wikimedia commons
Image credit Wikimedia Commons
