Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images

Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg erupted for 51 points, 19/30 FG, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists in a 138‑127 loss to the Orlando Magic, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to score 50 points at 19 years, 104 days. The previous record was held by Bucks guard Brandon Jennings, who had 55 points at 20 years, 52 days.

Flagg’s night started slowly with just 13 first-half points, but he shifted into overdrive after halftime. He scored 14 in the third quarter on 5-of-6 shooting and exploded for 24 points in the fourth on 8-of-12 shooting, though the Mavericks couldn’t overcome the deficit.

The performance added to a historic rookie résumé. Flagg is the first teenager ever to score 50 in an NBA game, now holds the top three spots on the Mavericks’ rookie single-game scoring list, and set a franchise rookie record with five 35-point games, surpassing Jay Vincent’s four. He also joins Michael Jordan as the only rookies since the 1976‑77 NBA/ABA merger to record multiple 45-point games.

Former Mavericks owner Mark Cuban reacted on X: “Cooooopppper Flagggggg!!”