Mavericks' Cooper Flagg passes Kobe Bryant on NBA record list

The rookie continues to make his mark in the league.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 1:19pm

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Cooper Flagg, a rookie for the Dallas Mavericks, has now put up more games of 20-plus points while still a teenager than NBA legend Kobe Bryant did, according to Real Sports. Flagg's latest 25-point performance came in a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and for the season, he is averaging 20.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game.

Why it matters

Flagg's impressive rookie season has him on a trajectory to become a star in the NBA, and his ability to surpass Kobe Bryant's teenage scoring record is a testament to his talent and potential. The Mavericks will need to continue building around Flagg as he establishes himself as the face of their franchise's future.

The details

In Friday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Flagg scored 25 points, grabbed 4 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists. For the season, he is averaging 20.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, while also contributing 1.1 steals and 0.9 blocks per contest. The only area where Flagg has room for improvement is his 3-point shooting, which stands at 29.5% so far this season.

  • On March 14, 2026, Cooper Flagg passed Kobe Bryant's record for most 20-point games as a teenager in the NBA.

The players

Cooper Flagg

A rookie forward for the Dallas Mavericks who was the surefire No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Kobe Bryant

A legendary NBA player who spent his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning 5 championships and making 18 All-Star teams.

Dallas Mavericks

An NBA franchise based in Dallas, Texas that Cooper Flagg currently plays for as a rookie.

Cleveland Cavaliers

An NBA franchise based in Cleveland, Ohio that the Dallas Mavericks played against in the game where Cooper Flagg set the record.

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What’s next

The Mavericks will continue to build around Cooper Flagg as he establishes himself as a star in the NBA, and fans will be eager to see if he can continue to set records and lead the team to success in the coming seasons.

The takeaway

Cooper Flagg's impressive rookie season, highlighted by his ability to surpass Kobe Bryant's teenage scoring record, demonstrates his immense talent and potential to become a dominant force in the NBA. The Mavericks' ability to build a championship-caliber team around Flagg will be crucial in determining the franchise's future success.