As the Dallas Mavericks beat the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night, 118-115, in what was an NBA Cuo group play game, it was another impressive game for rookie Cooper Flagg. With the Mavericks star in Flagg displaying the poise needed to be a star in the NBA, his performance has put him in the same company as Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James.
At 18 years old, Flagg would record a career-high 29 points to go along with seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals, while shooting 12 of 19 from the field. According to Tim MacMahon, the only other 18-year-old to have at least 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists in a game was James, adding to what has been a standout rookie season for Flagg.
What's even more impressive is that Flagg is performing well in clutch situations, as on Friday, he scored or assisted on four of Dallas' eight final possessions. He is even tied for sixth in the NBA with 31 points in clutch situations, garnering huge praise from head coach Jason Kidd.
“Clutch [situations], he's not afraid,” Kidd said, according to ESPN. “We get him the ball, and he seems like he's been there before. Being able to score when you need a bucket, when everyone knows that you're coming to him, he's deliberate. For an 18-year-old, that's pretty special.”
The player that the Mavericks' Cooper Flagg is “blossoming into”
While the Mavericks are still missing Anthony Davis due to injury, Flagg has been called upon to be a leading force on the team, and despite his young age, he's shown to be up for the challenge. Besides Flagg, P.J. Washington was key in the win over New Orleans, scoring 25 points and recording nine rebounds, as he spoke about the player that Flagg is “blossoming into.”
“He's blossoming into who we all know he is,” Washington said. “Just being himself, taking on the big moments and converting. Getting to the paint, getting to his spots, and making the right decision each and every time.”
At any rate, Dallas is now at a 5-12 record, as the team next faces the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night in the second game of a back-to-back.
