Cooper Flagg Breaks Teen Scoring Record with 49 Points

In a thrilling matchup on January 30, 2026, Dallas rookie Cooper Flagg made history by scoring 49 points, setting the NBA record for the most points by a teenager in a game. Despite Flagg’s outstanding performance, the Mavericks suffered a narrow 123-121 defeat against the Charlotte Hornets.

Historic Performance by Cooper Flagg

Cooper Flagg’s achievement not only set a new record for points by a teenager but also broke the franchise rookie scoring record previously held by Mark Aguirre. Aguirre’s jersey was retired during halftime, marking a special night for both the player and the Dallas Mavericks organization.

Flagg acknowledged the significance of the evening, stating, “Mark Aguirre is special. It’s a pretty cool thing.” Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd emphasized the importance of the game, noting the rare opportunity to witness two incredible talents competing against each other.

Notable Players and Statistics

• Cooper Flagg:
  • Points: 49 (career-high, most-ever by a teen)
  • Rebounds: 10
  • Field Goals: 20-for-29
• Kon Knueppel:
  • Points: 34 (career-high)
  • Rebounds: 4
  • Three-Pointers: 8-for-12 (new franchise rookie record)

Knueppel, selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, also set a personal best with 34 points. He was crucial in the game’s final moments, making two free throws with only 4.1 seconds remaining. This performance included making eight three-pointers, tying him for the most such games by a rookie in NBA history.

Rivalry and Future Showdowns

This matchup featured a friendly rivalry, as Flagg and Knueppel were former roommates at Duke University. They became the first pair of opposing rookies from the same college to each score over 30 points in a single game.

The two leading candidates for the Kia Rookie of the Year showcased their talent and determination. Flagg is currently averaging 19.5 points per game, while Knueppel follows closely with 18.9 points per game. They are set to face each other again on March 3, 2026, in Charlotte, creating anticipation for another exciting encounter.

A Record-Breaking Night

Flagg’s remarkable night eclipsed the previous NBA record of 45 points for a teenager held by Cliff Robinson since 1980. His impressive stats make him the youngest player in NBA history to record over 40 points and 10 rebounds in a game.

As both players look forward to future matchups, Flagg expressed gratitude for the experience, saying, “We’ll both be looking back on this night for the rest of our lives.” The young athletes continue to promise an exciting future for their teams and the NBA as a whole.