Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) is guarded by Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) in the first quarter at Kia Center. Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Mavericks star rookie Cooper Flagg reaches major milestone at historic pace

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Mar 5, 2026 10:28 PM ET

If Dallas Mavericks star rookie Cooper Flagg's NBA debut season wasn't historic already, it just secured its place as one of the best ever on Thursday night.

Even though the Mavericks fell 115-114 to the Orlando Magic, Flagg, 19, achieved a milestone most players need years to reach. In the early minutes of the first quarter, Flagg grabbed an offensive rebound and then used the glass to secure two points.

Only LeBron James got to 1,000 at a younger age than Cooper Flagg

Flagg's first points of the game put him over 1,000 for the season, making him the second youngest player in league history to reach the mark. Only LeBron James got to 1,000 at a younger age.

The NBA's 2025 No. 1 overall pick finished the game with 18 points despite only sinking 7-of-22 shots from the field. He also added five rebounds and six assists on the night.

1,000 CAREER POINTS FOR COOPER FLAGG

He becomes the second-youngest player in NBA history to reach that mark! pic.twitter.com/4YGBaRSWcV
— NBA (@NBA) March 6, 2026

Now averaging 20.3 points, 6.5 boards and 4.2 assists with a 47.8% shooting clip, Flagg still has a strong case to be named Rookie of the Year, regardless of Dallas' struggles as a team — the Mavericks are 21-41 and in 12th place in the Western Conference.

Cooper Flagg is in a close race for Rookie of the Year

Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel, Flagg's college roommate at Duke who recently broke the record for the most three-pointers by a rookie, appears to be Flagg's only true competitor for the award, especially since he's been a key piece to one of the best stories team wise of the season.

Adding to the historic nature of Flagg's season, the 49 points he scored, ironically against the Hornets back on Jan. 29, set a new rookie record for the most ever in the NBA by a teenager.

Some Mavericks fans may never get over the franchise trade of Luke Doncic in his prime, but Flagg's brilliance and progression throughout a legendary rookie season is providing tons of hope for Dallas and helping to show the future of the league is in good hands.

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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