Thu Dec 25 23:00:00 UTC 2025: NEWS ARTICLE:

Teenage Sensation Cooper Flagg Explodes for 33 Points, Leads Mavericks to Thrilling Victory Over Nuggets

DALLAS – Rookie sensation Cooper Flagg led the Dallas Mavericks to a nail-biting 131-130 victory over the Denver Nuggets Tuesday night, showcasing a newfound three-point prowess that had been missing earlier in the season. Flagg, who recently turned 19, dropped a game-high 33 points on an efficient 14-of-21 shooting, including a season-best four 3-pointers.

“I had my birthday,” Flagg jokingly explained after the game. “I’m 19. I’ve only missed like one 3 since I turned 19.”

While the comment was tongue-in-cheek, there’s no denying Flagg’s improved performance from beyond the arc since reaching the milestone. He’s now 5-of-7 from three in the last two games, a stark contrast to the 23.4% he shot in his first 28 games as an 18-year-old.

Flagg’s hot hand was evident early, as he connected on his first seven shots. His confidence and enjoyment were on full display, as he even poked his tongue out and pointed towards the Mavericks’ bench after sinking a long-range bomb.

Despite the impressive scoring outburst, it was Flagg’s poise and maturity that truly impressed Denver Nuggets’ three-time MVP, Nikola Jokic. “He was definitely a hot hand out there,” Jokic said. “But just, I’m going to say the poise that he played with, he doesn’t feel like he’s so young out there. He seems like he played meaningful games and he was winning before. He looked really mature out there.”

Flagg’s stat line was nothing short of historic. With 33 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists, he joined Luka Doncic and Jason Kidd as the only rookies in Mavericks’ history to reach those numbers.

Flagg also delivered in the clutch, scoring key baskets down the stretch to secure the win. His late three-pointer extended the Mavericks’ lead, and he made the right plays to find open teammates when the defense keyed on him.

Nuggets coach David Adelman acknowledged Flagg’s impact, saying, “It was the tough shots he made. Some of the 3s late in the clock. He got to his spots… He’s very impressive, man.”

Flagg’s continued growth and development have been a major boost for the Mavericks, and his recent performance suggests that he’s only scratching the surface of his potential.

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