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Mavericks Announce Cooper Flagg Milestone Against Magic

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Apr 3, 2026 6:08 PM ET

Cooper Flagg is in the midst of a historic rookie season for the Dallas Mavericks. Entering Friday’s matchup against the Orlando Magic, the 6-foot-9 small forward averaged 20.3 points on 46.7% shooting, 6.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.2 steals in 33.8 minutes per contest.

Flagg turned in another incredible performance on Friday as the Mavs suffered a 138-127 loss to the Magic. The former Duke Blue Devils star went off for a career-high 51 points on 19-of-30 shooting, six rebounds, three assists, three steals, a block and three-pointers in 34 minutes of action.

Unfortunately for the Mavericks, not even Flagg’s best game as a pro was enough to carry them to victory. Dallas suffered its third straight loss, dropping to 24-53 on the season.

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg.Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

Flagg has been making all sorts of history for the Mavs this season. On Friday night, he marked another career milestone.

The Mavericks took to social media to announce Flagg’s latest historic feats.

“Flagg becomes the 10th rookie in NBA history to score 50+ points and the third since the NBA/ABA merger (1976-77). He became the only teenager to score 50+,” Mavs PR posted on X.

Cooper Flagg tallied a career-high 51 points tonight vs. ORL, surpassing his previous high of 49 vs. CHA (1/29/26).

Flagg becomes the 10th rookie in NBA history to score 50+ points and the third since the NBA/ABA merger (1976-77). He became the only teenager to score 50+. pic.twitter.com/HkOy8FoKkz
— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) April 4, 2026

Flagg is making a late run for the Rookie of the Year title. Right now, Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets is sitting atop the NBA’s Rookie Ladder. Knueppel, Flagg’s former teammate at Duke, is having an awe-inspiring season himself. Flagg’s offensive explosion on Friday, however, could potentially impact the tight race.

Flagg has five more games to solidify his case. He will want to keep his foot on the gas in Dallas’ next game. This comes in the form of a high-profile matchup against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday at American Airlines Center.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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