Cooper Flagg nears Michael Jordan feat not seen in NBA for over four decades
Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images Cooper Flagg is rapidly building a rookie season that is forcing comparisons with the very best in NBA history. His latest performance only strengthened that growing narrative. The Dallas Mavericks forward delivered a standout display despite a 138-127 loss to the Orlando Magic.
Flagg recorded 51 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals during the game. That performance added to an already elite campaign. His consistency across multiple statistical categories has placed him in rare territory for a first-year player.
Cooper Flagg closing in on Michael Jordan rookie feat not seen in 40 years Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images Flagg is now on track to achieve something not seen since Michael Jordan’s rookie season in 1984-85. According to Real App, he could become the first rookie in over four decades to lead his team in points, rebounds, assists and steals. His season totals underline that dominance across the board.
Data from StatMuse shows Flagg has recorded 1349 points, 428 rebounds, 293 assists and 80 steals in the league. He has already matched some of Jordan’s early career markers this season. The 19-year-old became the first rookie since Jordan to post four consecutive games with at least 30 points and five rebounds.
He is also one of only two rookies since the NBA-ABA merger, alongside Jordan, to register multiple 45-point games. Cooper Flagg becomes youngest rookie to reach 50-point NBA game Flagg’s 51-point performance against Orlando also secured another historic achievement, as he became the youngest rookie ever to score 50 points in an NBA game. The previous record was held by Brandon Jennings.