Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

NBA Makes Cooper Flagg Announcement After Mavericks' 21st Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Dec 27, 2025 10:12 PM ET

Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks suffered a 113-107 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Saturday, marking their second straight defeat. It was also Dallas’ 21st loss of the season, dropping them to 12-21 in what has been a disappointing campaign thus far.

Flagg finished with a game-high 23 points on 7-of-13 shooting, to go along with six rebounds, five assists and three triples in 34 minutes of action. It still wasn’t enough, though, as the Mavs lost against a now 8-23 Kings side that did not have the services of Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine due to respective injuries.

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) looks on during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder.Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Flagg has been one of the few bright spots for the Mavs this season. Entering Saturday’s game, the 19-year-old had produced averages of 19.4 points on 49.3% shooting, 6.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.2 steals in 34.5 minutes per contest.

Flagg was able to make history against the Kings, despite the loss. The NBA took to social media to announce the Mavs rookie’s latest historic milestone, which saw him join Los Angeles Lakers superstars LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

“He joins LeBron James (5x) and Luka Dončić as the only players in NBA history age-19 or younger to record three straight 20-PT, 5-REB, 5-AST games ” the league posted on X.

Cooper Flagg tonight:

23 PTS | 6 REB | 5 AST

He joins LeBron James (5x) and Luka Dončić as the only players in NBA history age-19 or younger to record three straight 20-PT, 5-REB, 5-AST games pic.twitter.com/QbcYek8laI
— NBA (@NBA) December 28, 2025

The fact that Flagg has joined James and Doncic in an exclusive club speaks volumes about the Mavs star’s impact in his rookie year. James and Doncic have both gone on to have iconic careers, and it seems that Flagg is currently on the same trajectory.

It would be good, though, if Flagg’s performances were to translate into wins for the Mavs. Saturday’s loss dropped them to 12th in the Western Conference as they continue to navigate a difficult 2025-26 campaign.

Up next for Flagg and Co. is another matchup on the road. They will end their current three-game road trip on Monday against the Portland Trail Blazers, marking their final contest of the calendar year.

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

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