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DALLAS, TEXAS – DECEMBER 23: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts after scoring a three point basket during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at American Airlines Center on December 23, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
On Friday night, the Dallas Mavericks played the Cleveland Cavaliers (at home) in Texas.
The Mavs lost by a score of 138-105.
Despite the loss, Cooper Flagg finished with 25 points, four rebounds and five assists while shooting 8/16 from the field and 1/3 from three-point range in 29 minutes of playing time.
Cooper Flagg Made History In Cavs-Mavs Game
GettySACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 06: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts after Brandon Williams #10 of the Dallas Mavericks made a three-point basket with 33 seconds left to give the Mavericks the lead over the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on January 06, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Flagg also made NBA history with his performance.
Mavs PR wrote: “With his 25th career 20-point effort tonight against Cleveland, Cooper Flagg has passed Kobe Bryant (24) for the sixth-most 20-point games by a teenager in NBA history.”
Flagg is having an excellent rookie year with averages of 20.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 46.9% from the field and 29.5% from three-point range in 55 games.
Abby Jones of DLLS Sports wrote after the game: “Cooper Flagg quite literally signing everything in sight after the Mavericks lost to the Cavs. He spent extra time signing autographs on the floor before entering the tunnel. He put up 25 PTS, 4 REB and 5 AST.”
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 12: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks walks backcourt during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at American Airlines Center on November 12, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Flagg And The Mavs
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 05: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks speaks with head coach Jason Kidd during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at American Airlines Center on November 05, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
While Flagg has played well, the Mavs are having a tough year.
They are now 22-45 in 67 games, which has them as the 12th seed in the Western Conference.
Over their last ten games, the Mavs have gone just 1-9 (and they are 14-20 at home).
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 06: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts during the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on March 06, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Mavericks 120-100. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Flagg has shown enough promise that many fans are excited to see what he can do when Kyrie Irving returns to action in 2026-27.
The Mavs had made the NBA Finals in 2024 before losing in the play-in tournament in 2025 (and struggling this year).
Danny Cunningham of Locked On Cavs Wrote: “#Cavs throttle the Mavericks 138-105 to close out their quick two-game road trip. Best way to describe it is that they handled business in an appropriate way against a bad team. Evan Mobley had 29 points & 7 rebounds in 23 minutes, Donovan Mitchell had 24 points & 8 assists and James Harden had 17/7/7. These teams rematch on Sunday in Cleveland.”
Cavs Playing Well
The Cavs improved to 41-26 in 67 games, which has them as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference.
They are 22-12 in the 34 games they have played at home in Ohio.
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.
He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
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