DALLAS – Rookie Cooper Flagg showcased his talent by leading the Dallas Mavericks to an impressive first NBA victory against the Toronto Raptors. The game ended with a score of 139-129, marking a turnaround from the Mavericks’ challenging start to the season.
Cooper Flagg’s Stellar Performance
Flagg, the highly anticipated No. 1 draft pick, made headlines with an impressive all-around performance. He scored 22 points, pulled down 4 rebounds, and dished out 4 assists. His pivotal moment came with a spectacular and-1 dunk over Raptors player Sandro Mamukelashvili, energizing the crowd at the American Airlines Center.
After the game, Flagg expressed his satisfaction: “The fans have showed up for the first three games, and I thought tonight was really the first time we gave ’em something to be excited for.”
The Mavericks’ Offensive Revitalization
The Mavericks’ offense flourished in this game, with seven players scoring in double figures. Power forward Anthony Davis led the team with 25 points, while guard D’Angelo Russell contributed 24 points and a team-high six assists. This victory broke their early-season offensive funk.
Flagg played a crucial role in a decisive 26-9 run during the third quarter, where the Mavericks turned a seven-point deficit into a comfortable lead. His performance not only highlighted his skills but also demonstrated his ability to energize the team. Teammate Russell remarked, “When he’s getting the crowd going like that, our team feeds off it.”
Historic NBA Milestone for Flagg
At just 18 years and 309 days old, Flagg became the fifth-youngest player in NBA history to score 20 points in a game. He joins an elite list including Jermaine O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady, and LeBron James. Notably, he is one of only two players to score 20 points without committing a turnover before turning 19.
Youngest 20-Point Scorers in NBA History
| Age | Player |
|---|---|
| 18 years, 101 days | Jermaine O’Neal |
| 18 years, 133 days | Kobe Bryant |
| 18 years, 265 days | Tracy McGrady |
| 18 years, 303 days | LeBron James |
| 18 years, 309 days | Cooper Flagg |
Looking Ahead
With this victory, the Mavericks hope to build momentum. The team has struggled offensively, especially with superstar guard Kyrie Irving sidelined due to a torn ACL. The performance against the Raptors demonstrated a potential turning point, focusing on speedy execution and scoring opportunities.
“It feels great. I’m excited,” Flagg stated. “We want to build off tonight, use it as a baseline. This team needs to just keep building and getting better.”
