Cooper Flagg becomes 1st teen to reach 50 in an NBA game

Mavs rookie scores 51 points in loss to Magic, setting new record

Apr. 4, 2026 at 5:06am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting in bold blues, golds, and whites, depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a basketball game in an abstract, cubist style.A young NBA star's historic 51-point game is deconstructed into a cubist masterpiece, capturing the raw energy and emotion of the moment.Dallas Today

Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg scored 51 points in a loss to the Orlando Magic, becoming the first teenager in NBA history to reach the 50-point mark in a single game. Flagg's historic performance came after his coach Jason Kidd and teammate Naji Marshall were ejected from the game for arguing a no-call against Flagg.

Why it matters

Flagg's 51-point game at just 19 years old is a remarkable achievement, showcasing his immense talent and potential as a young NBA star. The controversy surrounding the officiating also highlights the challenges young players can face in getting fair treatment from referees.

The details

Flagg scored 24 points in the fourth quarter alone to reach the 50-point milestone, going 19-of-30 from the field and 7-of-7 from the free throw line. His previous career high was 49 points. The Mavericks were down by as many as 30 points before Flagg's scoring outburst, but they ultimately fell to the Magic 138-127.

  • Flagg scored 51 points in the Mavericks' game against the Magic on Friday, April 4, 2026.
  • Flagg's previous career high was 49 points, set in a loss to the Charlotte Hornets on January 29, 2026.

The players

Cooper Flagg

A 19-year-old rookie forward for the Dallas Mavericks, who became the first teenager in NBA history to score 50 or more points in a single game.

Jason Kidd

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

Naji Marshall

A forward for the Dallas Mavericks, who was also ejected from the game for arguing the same no-call against Flagg.

Desmond Bane

A player for the Orlando Magic who Flagg said intentionally fouled him, leading to the controversial no-call.

Frank Vogel

An assistant coach for the Dallas Mavericks, who filled in for the ejected Jason Kidd and told Flagg to rest during a defensive possession before putting him back in the game to set the 50-point record.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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

What’s next

The Mavericks will look to end their 14-game home losing streak when they host the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, April 6, 2026.

The takeaway

Cooper Flagg's historic 51-point performance, despite his team's loss, showcases the immense talent and potential of this young NBA star. His ability to take over a game and make history at just 19 years old is a testament to his skill and determination, and will likely be the first of many such achievements in his promising career.