NBA Announces Cooper Flagg Milestone on Friday

Flagg had a masterful performance, as he had a productive offensive game. He became the first teenager to reach the 50-point mark. The Mavericks forward demonstrated his potential as a top scorer at the age of 19.

The NBA acknowledged Flagg's career milestone and posted it on X.

"51 POINTS FOR COOPER FLAGG," the NBA posted. "FIRST TEENAGER TO SCORE 50 IN AN NBA GAME "

He's now the youngest player to reach the 50-point mark. Former NBA player Brandon Jennings held the previous record on November 14, 2009, when he scored 50 points at the age of 20. He's also the ninth rookie to reach the scoring feat.

Mavericks' minority owner Mark Cuban could not hold it in and gave Flagg a shoutout on X.

"Cooooopppper Flagggggg!!" Cuban posted.

His strong scoring outing has given him a boost to win the Rookie of the Year award. He played in his 65th game this season, which makes him eligible to win postseason awards. All season long, the race to win the award has been tight. His former college teammate, Charlotte Hornets forward Kon Knueppel, is also a favorite to win.

Knueppel has won four-straight Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month awards. Flagg, meanwhile, only won three straight. His missed time in February snapped his streak, and San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper was awarded for the Western Conference.

After the game, Kidd compared Flagg's rookie season to Michael Jordan's after he scored 51 points.

“Well, he’s a rookie, he should be Rookie of the Year… The things that he’s done, he’s in rare air, he’s with the GOAT when you talk about MJ and what he did in his rookie year, and as a teenager,” Kidd said. 

Kidd said that there's an element of excitement and joy when Flagg plays. The Mavericks coach believes the rookie forward will be key to the team's improved performance next season.