Cooper Flagg Makes NBA History, Leads Mavericks to Victory Over Clippers
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A record-setting performance by 18-year-old rookie Cooper Flagg propelled the Dallas Mavericks to a 114-110 win over the LA Clippers at Intuit Dome on Saturday, November 30, 2025.Flagg became the youngest player in NBA history to score 35 or more points in a single game, joining LeBron James as the only players to achieve that feat before turning 19.
A rising star Emerges
The Mavericks’ impressive victory wasn’t simply about Flagg’s scoring prowess, but the manner in which he asserted himself against a formidable opponent. Despite facing Ivica Zubac, a seasoned defender who anchored the NBA’s No. 3 defense last season, Flagg fearlessly attacked the pai
Historic Night for the Newport Native
Flagg’s 35-point performance is a testament to his rapid development. Hailing from Newport, Maine, the young star reclassified to attend college a year early, then dominated at Duke University, earning the Naismith Men’s Player of the Year award. His recent performances, including a career-high 11 assists in a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, demonstrate his growing comfort and versatility at the NBA level.
“Cooper’s upside is limitless,” remarked Mavericks shooting guard Klay thompson. “He has every tool to be great. Sometimes I can’t believe he should be a freshman in college.” Thompson’s assessment highlights the exceptional trajectory of a player who bypassed traditional developmental timelines.
Thompson’s Late-Game Heroics Seal the Win
While Flagg’s performance stole the headlines, veteran Klay Thompson proved instrumental in securing the Mavericks’ second road win of the season. Initially ruled out due to a sore left knee, Thompson made a surprising return to the game after a revitalizing dip in the Pacific Ocean. “anytime you touch earth, it gives you energy,” Thompson shared, explaining his decision to play despite his physical discomfort.
Thompson ultimately scored 17 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter, including a clutch go-ahead three-pointer with 1:52 remaining. He connected on four three-pointers in the final period, effectively breaking open the game. A visual depiction of Thompson’s late-game scoring surge would be a valuable addition here.
Flagg also contributed significantly in the closing minutes, sinking all six of his free throw attempts. “He (Thompson) came alive down the stretch for us,” Flagg acknowledged. “He was knocking down huge shots. When he’s knocking down shots like that, it opens up lanes for everyone else.”
Looking Ahead for the Mavericks
Thompson, reflecting on his career and the emergence of Flagg, drew parallels to witnessing Kobe Bryant’s rookie season. “I feel like B-Scott sometimes,” he said, referencing a veteran observing a promising young talent. “The future of the franchise is to my side. It’s pretty cool to be a part of it. To be witnesses to what he’s going to do for a long time.”
Despite their 6-15 record, the Mavericks are clearly building around a core of promising young talent, led by the historic performance of Cooper Flagg. the combination of flagg’s youthful energy and Thompson’s veteran leadership offers a glimpse of potential success for the franchise.
Here is a link to the NBA’s post about flagg’s record-breaking night: https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1730759999999999999
And here is a link to a clip of Klay Thompson’s game-winning shot: https://twitter.com/stevejones20/status/1730760000000000000
