Mavs' Flagg Becomes Second-Youngest to Reach 1,000 Career Points

Rookie Cooper Flagg hits milestone in return from injury, joining LeBron James as only players to do so before age 20.

Mar. 6, 2026 at 5:34am

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Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg reached 1,000 career points in just his 50th NBA game, becoming the second-youngest player in league history to accomplish the feat. At 19 years and 74 days old, Flagg trails only LeBron James, who did it at 19 years and 41 days. Flagg's historic rookie season has included several other statistical benchmarks, cementing his case for Rookie of the Year.

Why it matters

Flagg's rapid ascent to 1,000 points underscores his immense talent and potential as a future superstar in the NBA. His production has been a bright spot in an otherwise difficult season for the Mavericks, who are hoping Flagg's continued development can help turn the franchise around.

The details

Flagg reached the 1,000-point milestone early in the Mavericks' narrow 115-114 loss to the Orlando Magic on Thursday night. The 19-year-old scored his first basket of the game on a putback off an offensive rebound. Flagg is now averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game through 49 contests, cementing his status as one of the most productive rookies in recent NBA history.

  • Flagg reached 1,000 career points in just his 50th NBA game.
  • At 19 years and 74 days old, Flagg became the second-youngest player in NBA history to reach the milestone, trailing only LeBron James.

The players

Cooper Flagg

A 19-year-old rookie forward for the Dallas Mavericks who has emerged as one of the most productive first-year players in the NBA this season.

LeBron James

A legendary NBA player who previously held the record as the youngest player to reach 1,000 career points, accomplishing the feat at 19 years and 41 days old.

Jason Kidd

The head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, who emphasized the importance of getting Flagg back in the lineup after the rookie missed eight games due to injury.

Klay Thompson

A veteran guard for the Mavericks who praised Flagg's performance and predicted the rookie will become a superstar in the league.

Kon Knueppel

A rookie guard for the Charlotte Hornets who has emerged as one of the primary challengers to Flagg for the NBA Rookie of the Year award.

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What they’re saying

“His energy, we all know his play – he's a really good basketball player with the things he can do. He can run the offense. He can score left, right. He was starting to shoot the three really well before the injury. It's good to have him back.”

— Jason Kidd, Head Coach, Dallas Mavericks

“Tonight was tough because that game was completely in our hands and there was a couple mistakes that are going to sting until tomorrow's tipoff in Boston. But it's going to pay off huge dividends for our young players, especially Cooper. To see him seize the moment toward the end of that game was great and bodes well for his future.”

— Klay Thompson, Guard, Dallas Mavericks

“Coop is going to be a superstar in this league. It's a pleasure to be his teammate. And I'm excited to tell future generations I got to play with him in his rookie season.”

— Klay Thompson, Guard, Dallas Mavericks

What’s next

The Mavericks will travel to Boston to face the Celtics in the second half of a back-to-back. Flagg's minutes may continue to be monitored as he works his way back from injury, but his place in the rookie record books is already secure.

The takeaway

Cooper Flagg's rapid ascent to 1,000 career points in just his 50th NBA game underscores his immense talent and potential as a future superstar. His historic rookie season has provided a bright spot for the struggling Mavericks, and his continued development could be key to the franchise's long-term success.