A day after turning into the youngest participant in NBA historical past to report 10 assists in a loss to the Lakers, No. 1 general choose Cooper Flagg made some extra historical past in a 114-100 win towards the Clippers Saturday evening. Flagg turned the youngest participant in NBA historical past to report at the least 35 factors. Flagg did so at 18 years and 343 days, which is 5 days quicker than when LeBron James did it in his rookie season.

Flagg additionally did it extra effectively than James did, going 13 of twenty-two from the ground (59.1%), whereas including eight rebounds and two assists. He was aggressive from the opening tip, racking up 21 of his 35 factors within the first half.

Issues got here straightforward for Flagg within the first half, as James Harden’s stage of protection was minimal at greatest, and non-existent on most events. The Clippers orange-red jerseys had been really fairly becoming for the event, as their protection seemed like site visitors cones on the market as Flagg knifed his strategy to the iron for numerous layups with minimal rim stress.

Regardless of the poor defensive show from the Clippers, who rank twenty sixth on that finish of the ground and have now misplaced 4 consecutive video games, it was a powerful feat from the rookie. You can inform Flagg seems to be way more snug on the ground, and he is been extra assertive in on the lookout for his personal shot, even when the sport is on the road.

It was Flagg who made a pull-up, mid-range jumper with below two minutes to go to place the Mavericks again out in entrance towards the Clippers. He as soon as once more answered the decision with 45 seconds to go, when he attacked the rim out of a pick-and-roll and took it straight at Clippers large man Ivica Zubac. Flagg acquired the foul name and almost acquired the shot to fall after the whistle blew, however made certain to transform each free throws to place the Mavericks up by 4 factors.

It felt like Flagg’s first signature win of his profession, and an inflection level of his rookie season that ought to earn him extra consideration for Rookie of the 12 months. In the event you had been to take a ballot proper now, many would vote Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel for the award. He is main all rookies in scoring (18.4), is averaging 5.7 rebounds and three assists, whereas capturing extremely effectively, too (47% FG, 41.3% 3FG). However over the past 5 video games, Flagg has surpassed Knueppel’s manufacturing. He is averaging over 20 factors on capturing 48.1%, whereas tacking on 7.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists throughout the span.

Within the final 5 video games, we’re seeing a model of Flagg everybody anticipated to get from the opening tip of the season. However a failed level guard experiment and clunky lineup rotations made it appear as if the Mavericks weren’t placing Flagg in the very best place to succeed. Nonetheless, since benching D’Angelo Russell in favor of Brandon Williams and Ryan Nembhard as the purpose guard duo, and higher ground spacing created by the absence of Anthony Davis, the previous Duke phenom has flourished.

His averages are up throughout the board, and whereas his 3-point capturing is struggling, he is settling for fewer 3s and as a substitute wrecking havoc contained in the arc. His 3-point shot was all the time going to be a piece in progress, however what’s vital is he is been extra environment friendly from all over the place else just lately.

Cooper Flagg’s stats

It is a small pattern measurement, and integrating Davis again into the beginning lineup can be an fascinating factor to observe, but when Flagg maintains this stage of play from the previous 5 video games, he’ll have definitely carried out sufficient to noticeably problem his former Duke teammate for Rookie of the 12 months.

Knueppel’s nonetheless placing up huge numbers, however he’ll additionally should make some changes of his personal now that Brandon Miller is again wholesome in Charlotte’s beginning lineup. Between LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges and Miller there is a ton of scoring coming from that trio that Knueppel’s manufacturing may wane over the course of the season. The principle motive he is had a lot alternative is due to early-season accidents to each Ball and Miller, but when these two can stay wholesome, Knueppel’s numbers might dip.

Both approach although, Flagg’s current scoring outburst felt like an “I’ve arrived” second. He began the season sluggish, and with a stacked rookie class he did not even crack the highest 3 of our Rookie Rankings by means of the primary month of the season. 

Now, although, he is risen up the ranks. With how issues have been going recently, it seems like this Rookie of the 12 months race may come right down to the wire between two former Duke teammates.