Cooper Flagg Shatters LeBron’s Record with Stunning 42-Point Explosion—But Why Did His Team Still Lose?

Just a few days shy of turning 19, Cooper Flagg etched his name into NBA lore by shattering a long-standing record previously held by none other than LeBron James. On a thrilling Monday night at the Delta Center, Flagg exploded for a career-best 42 points, surpassing James’ mark for most points scored by an 18-year-old in a single NBA game—a record that had stood strong for over two decades. Yet, despite this electrifying performance, Dallas couldn’t quite seal the deal against the Utah Jazz, succumbing 140-133 in an overtime nail-biter. This feat puts Flagg in a rarefied air alongside legends like LeBron and Kobe Bryant, reminding us all just how special this young phenom truly is. LEARN MORE.

Cooper Flagg broke a decades-old LeBron James record Monday night, just days before his 19th birthday.

It still wasn’t enough to lead the Dallas Mavericks past the Utah Jazz.

Flagg dropped a career-high 42 points in a 140-133 overtime loss to the Jazz on Monday at the Delta Center. That broke James’ record for the most points scored in a single game by an 18-year-old in NBA history.

James, who was the No. 1 overall pick in 2003 right out of high school, set the record against the Boston Celtics in December during his rookie season when he put up 37 points as an 18-year-old. James and Flagg are actually the only players in NBA history to put up more than 24 points in a single game at that age, which they’ve done now a combined 14 times. Both Dwight Howard and Kobe Bryant put up 24 points in a single game at that age early in their respective careers, too.

Dec 15, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) drives to the basket against Utah Jazz guard Ace Bailey (19) during the second quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images — Cooper Flagg is the only 18-year-old in NBA history to record a 40-point game. (Rob Gray-Imagn Images)

(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect / Reuters)

Though Flagg has come close, putting up 35 points against the Los Angeles Clippers last month, he finally recorded the first 40-point night of his career on Monday in Salt Lake City.

Flagg went 13-of-27 from the field and made 15 free throws for the Mavericks, while also posting 7 rebiounds and six assists. He had 14 points in the first quarter after shooting 5-of-7 from the field, which helped Dallas to an early six point lead. He had 12 points in the fourth quarter and missed a free throw with less than five seconds to go on purpose to help set up a wild comeback that eventually forced overtime — thanks to a clutch rebound from Max Christie.

But despite Flagg’s outing, the Jazz pulled away and opened overtime on an 11-4 run to pick up the win. Keyonte George led the Jazz with 37 points, and Lauri Markkanen added 33 points and 16 rebounds. The win, Utah’s second straight, pushed it to 10-15 on the year.

More NBA news

Keep up with the 2025-26 NBA season with Yahoo Sports

NBA trade market Which buyers could be in play for Giannis Antetokounmpo

P.J. Washington had 25 points and 13 rebounds to go with Flagg’s 42-point night. Naji Marshall had 15 points, and Ryan Nembhard finished with 14 points and 11 assists. The Mavericks fell to 10-17 with the loss.

Flagg also matched Mark Aguirre for the most points scored by a rookie in Mavericks history. He now trails only James and Bryant for the most total points scored in the NBA before turning 19, though Flagg’s birthday is Saturday.

While the Mavericks have not gotten out to the best start this season, Flagg has more than lived up to the hype that came with being the No. 1 overall draft pick in June. Monday’s historic outing was just another example of that.