Cooper Flagg's big game makes NBA history, but it's not enough

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg. Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Cooper Flagg's dominant game makes NBA history, but it's not enough in Mavericks' loss

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Jan 30, 2026 8:16 AM ET

Even though his efforts weren't enough to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a win, Cooper Flagg went wild on Thursday night. The rookie sensation set a new career-high for points in a game with 49, but the Mavericks fell to the Charlotte Hornets by score of 123-121.

Exceeding his previous high of 42, which he set during another loss at Utah on Dec. 15, Flagg's performance on Thursday night was overall best game yet in totality.

He finished one point shy of his first career 50 piece by missing the potential game-tying jumper in the final second of the game. He hit 20 of 29 shots for a shooting clip of 68.9%. Flagg's 49 points were also historic.

19-year-old Cooper Flagg's 49 points vs. Charlotte was the most by a teenager in NBA history pic.twitter.com/HHNklCjq0I
— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) January 30, 2026

Cooper Flagg did more than just score

In addition to what Flagg put on the scoreboard, he also added 10 rebounds, three assists and a block to stamp his outing as a double-double.

Coop doin' work on both ends

: KFAA pic.twitter.com/ROgL9NzitK
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) January 30, 2026

Cooper Flagg has matched his hype and is the favorite to be Rookie of the Year

Flagg, 19, who, the Mavericks selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has averages of 19.5 points, 6.5 boards and 4.1 assists while shooting 48.2% from the field and playing 33.9 minutes per game.

HE'S ONLY 19!!!!! pic.twitter.com/vqOoBuXUdc
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) January 30, 2026

While Flagg can dominate and has a clear ability to fit into the NBA as the league's favorite to win Rookie of the Year, it has not led the much team success.

Mavericks enduring a tough season despite Cooper Flagg's emergence as a star

With the loss, Dallas is 19-29 and outside the play-in tournament in 12th place in the Western Conference. The Mavericks have been without their veteran future Hall of Fame point guard Kyrie Irving all season and have had star big Anthony Davis in only 20 games as he continues to miss time with ligament damage in his left hand.

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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