Cooper Flagg's 42 Topples LeBron 18 Year Record

Merlin sees Cooper Flagg make a loud entry into the record books. The No. 1 pick poured in a career high 42 points in a 140 133 overtime loss to Utah, with seven rebounds and six assists on 13 of 27 shooting and 15 of 20 from the free throw line. His scoring night passed LeBron James for a single game mark by an 18 year old and put Flagg third all time in points before turning 19, behind LeBron and Kobe Bryant. Merlin notes the timing adds drama. Flagg hit 20 before halftime and now has just two games left before his 19th birthday, with Dallas hosting Detroit Thursday and visiting Philadelphia Saturday. History is a bright spotlight but not a guarantee; the rookie has shown elite scoring instincts that the Mavericks can either harness or watch fade as teams adjust.