Mavs rookie Cooper Flagg scores 51 points, becomes first teen to reach 50 in NBA game

Flagg's historic performance comes in a loss to the Orlando Magic, as coach Jason Kidd and teammate Naji Marshall were ejected for defending the rookie.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 3:11pm

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Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg scored 51 points in a 138-127 loss to the Orlando Magic on Friday night, becoming the first teenager to reach 50 points in an NBA game. Flagg's previous career high was 49 points. The game featured drama, as coach Jason Kidd and forward Naji Marshall were ejected in the fourth quarter for arguing a no-call when Flagg was fouled. Flagg said he was motivated by his coach and teammate's emotion and fight for him.

Why it matters

Flagg's historic 51-point performance as a 19-year-old rookie is a remarkable feat, drawing comparisons to NBA legends like Michael Jordan. It showcases Flagg's immense talent and potential, and will only further cement his status as a leading contender for Rookie of the Year. However, the loss extended the Mavericks' home losing streak to 14 games, highlighting the team's struggles this season.

The details

Flagg scored 24 of his 51 points in the fourth quarter, after Kidd and Marshall were ejected for arguing a no-call when Flagg was fouled. Flagg said he was motivated by his coach and teammate's emotion and fight for him. The rookie exited the game with 45 points, but was put back in by assistant coach Frank Vogel to make history, hitting a 3-pointer and an off-balance shot in the lane to reach 50 points.

  • Flagg scored 24 points in the fourth quarter after Kidd and Marshall were ejected.
  • Flagg exited the game with 45 points, but was put back in by assistant coach Frank Vogel to make history.
  • Flagg hit a 3-pointer and an off-balance shot in the lane to reach 50 points.

The players

Cooper Flagg

A 19-year-old rookie for the Dallas Mavericks who scored 51 points in the game, becoming the first teenager to reach 50 points in an NBA game.

Jason Kidd

The head coach of the Dallas Mavericks who was ejected from the game for arguing a no-call when Flagg was fouled.

Naji Marshall

A forward for the Dallas Mavericks who was also ejected from the game for arguing the same no-call as Kidd.

Frank Vogel

The assistant coach of the Dallas Mavericks who put Flagg back in the game to help him make history.

Desmond Bane

A player for the Orlando Magic who Flagg said intentionally fouled him, leading to the ejections of Kidd and Marshall.

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What they’re saying

“It's great to see. I already know that coach has my back and Naji ... I know he has my back for sure out there. Just seeing their emotion, seeing them fight for me and fight for the calls. Definitely some emotion, and motivated me even further.”

— Cooper Flagg, Mavericks Rookie

“It's always fun getting into that type of mode. The basket feels big. My teammates are looking out for you, helping you out. But I like to win. That was my main focus. It's hard for me to fully enjoy myself out there when we're down 20, down 10, down 15, for the majority of the game.”

— Cooper Flagg, Mavericks Rookie

“I think it was warranted. I'm not going to lie. I talked to Bane after the play, and he told me he was intentionally trying to foul me. I honestly don't know how they didn't see that. Obviously, they must not have had the right view, or they weren't paying attention. But they missed it.”

— Cooper Flagg, Mavericks Rookie

“There was a lot of excitement in the back as I watched Flagg with a TV delay, hearing the crowd reaction before the buckets as the former Duke standout was 8 of 12 from the field and 4 of 6 from deep in the fourth.”

— Jason Kidd, Mavericks Head Coach

“He should be rookie of the year. It's unbelievable. The country's not watching the same thing we get to watch on a daily basis. He's in rare air. He's with the GOAT when you talk about MJ and what he did in his rookie year. And as a teenager, to see what Cooper's doing, just the excitement, the joy, playing the game, win or lose, his spirit, is about winning. Right now we're not.”

— Jason Kidd, Mavericks Head Coach

What’s next

The Mavericks will look to end their 14-game home losing streak in their next game. Flagg will continue to be a leading contender for Rookie of the Year, with the award likely to be decided in the final weeks of the season.

The takeaway

Cooper Flagg's historic 51-point performance as a 19-year-old rookie showcases his immense talent and potential, drawing comparisons to NBA legends. However, the Mavericks' struggles this season, including their extended home losing streak, overshadow the individual accomplishment and highlight the team's need to build around their young star.