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Steph Curry salutes Cooper Flagg's Christmas Day performance 
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (center left) greet each other after the game at Chase Center. Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Steph Curry salutes Cooper Flagg's historic Christmas Day performance 

One legend who knows something about performing on Christmas Day heaped some praise on a rookie who experienced the NBA's premier regular season stage for the first time. 

That's why the main headline from the Golden State Warriors' 126-116 win over the Dallas Mavericks came after the game. 

While soaking up his 12th-career Christmas Day game, Steph Curry made sure to recognize why he believes "the league is in good hands" with Cooper Flagg representing the next generation of budding stars. 

"Just a true hooper, competitor. You forget how young he is. The future is bright. I'm glad he got this experience in his first year," said Curry when asked for his thoughts about Flagg following their first encounter in the NBA.

And even though Curry's Warriors won the game, Flagg won the individual battle, outscoring the NBA legend. Curry scored 23 points while connecting on only 6-of-18 shots in 33 minutes. He also added a trio rebounds and four assists. 

Cooper Flagg made NBA history on Christmas Day 

As for Flagg, 19, the Mavericks' No. 1 overall pick in this past spring's NBA Draft, he put up 27 points on a much more efficient 12-for-21 in a few more monies of action. Flagg completed his night with six boards and five assists. 

Flagg's production made history, becoming the youngest player ever to register at least 25 points, five rebounds and five assists on Christmas.

But to no surprise, Curry has the clear edge season wise. The now 37-year-old four-time champion and two-time league MVP entered the day averaging 28.7 points on 47.3% shooting from the field, 4.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists. 

December has been Cooper Flagg's best month yet 

Conversely, Flagg has been red hot as of late after a slow start to his debut season. He's exceeded 20 points eight times in December, 30 twice, including recording 33 in a win over Denver on Tuesday, and he even became the youngest player to ever reach 40 points in a game when he posted 42 at Utah on Dec. 15. 

Flagg carries an average of 19.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.8 helpers, making the most out of Dallas' tough 12-20 season. 

Curry had more to say about Flagg during his chat with reporters postgame.

"That's gonna be a journey you'll wanna stay locked in on, he's going to be around for a long time."

Steph Curry and the Warriors are focused on moving up in the standings 

Curry's Warriors team also needed the win, moving to just one game above .500 at 16-15 following the holiday, which is only good enough for eighth in the Western Conference standings. 

However, despite wanting to turn Golden State's season around, Curry made sure to appreciate the moment. 

"It's a great honor ... I don't ever take it for granted," expressed Curry, in the midst of his 17th year in the NBA, about playing in any big game at this point. 

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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