Cooper Flagg is rapidly building a rookie season that is forcing comparisons with the very best in NBA history. His latest performance only strengthened that growing narrative.
The Dallas Mavericks forward delivered a standout display despite a 138-127 loss to the Orlando Magic. Flagg recorded 51 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals during the game.
Advertisement
That performance added to an already elite campaign. His consistency across multiple statistical categories has placed him in rare territory for a first-year player.
Cooper Flagg closing in on Michael Jordan rookie feat not seen in 40 years
Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images
Flagg is now on track to achieve something not seen since Michael Jordan’s rookie season in 1984-85. According to Real App, he could become the first rookie in over four decades to lead his team in points, rebounds, assists and steals.
His season totals underline that dominance across the board. Data from StatMuse shows Flagg has recorded 1349 points, 428 rebounds, 293 assists and 80 steals in the league.
Advertisement
He has already matched some of Jordan’s early career markers this season. The 19-year-old became the first rookie since Jordan to post four consecutive games with at least 30 points and five rebounds.
He is also one of only two rookies since the NBA-ABA merger, alongside Jordan, to register multiple 45-point games.
Cooper Flagg becomes youngest rookie to reach 50-point NBA game
Flagg’s 51-point performance against Orlando also secured another historic achievement, as he became the youngest rookie ever to score 50 points in an NBA game.
The previous record was held by Brandon Jennings. He scored 55 points for the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2009-10 season when he was 20 years and 52 days old.
Advertisement
Flagg’s latest display not only broke that mark but also highlighted his scoring ceiling, cementing a rookie campaign that continues to draw comparisons with basketball’s greatest icons.
Read more: