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HomeDallas Mavericks‘Be Who I Am’: Cooper Flagg Named Western Conference Rookie of the Month After Historic Start
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‘Be Who I Am’: Cooper Flagg Named Western Conference Rookie of the Month After Historic Start

Grant AfsethGrant Afsethno comment
Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks, NBA, Anthony Davis
Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post

Dallas Mavericks wing Cooper Flagg headlined the NBA’s monthly awards on Monday, earning his first Western Conference Rookie of the Month honor after a record-setting opening stretch that cemented the 18-year-old as one of the league’s most productive young players.

The recognition covered games played in October and November and marked the 13th time a Maverick has received the award.

Flagg averaged 16.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.4 steals across 20 starts, logging 33.9 minutes per game and shooting 46.2% from the floor. He finished the period with 48 clutch points — fourth-most in the league — and led all players in clutch field-goal percentage at 56.0% (minimum 20 attempts).

A Historic Opening Stretch at 18 for Cooper Flagg

Over his first 20 career games, Flagg became the youngest player in NBA history to score 35 points in a game when he posted that total against the Los Angeles Clippers on Nov. 29. He joined Zion Williamson and Blake Griffin as the only players in the last 30 years to record 35 points without a made three-pointer within their first 20 games.

The night before, he delivered 13 points and 11 assists against the Los Angeles Lakers — becoming the youngest player in league history to record double-digit assists. Adding seven rebounds and three steals, Flagg joined LeBron James and Josh Giddey as the only teenagers ever to post a 13-7-11-3 stat line.

Against New Orleans on Nov. 21, he logged his fifth 20-point game, passing Kobe Bryant for the second-most 20-point games by an 18-year-old. In that performance, he became just the second 18-year-old alongside James to record at least 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists.

Drafted first overall out of Duke in June, Flagg currently ranks second among rookies in points (358), first in rebounds (139), tied-first in assists (71), second in steals (29), and fourth in blocks (13). He is the only rookie this season to rank top five in all five major statistical categories and is tied for the most double-digit scoring games (20) and double-doubles (3).

Dallas Mavericks Teammates See a Rapid Rise

Flagg’s growth has been on full display for a Mavericks team that has leaned on his poise, versatility and competitiveness from opening night. Veterans and fellow rookies alike have praised his adaptability — especially under the pressure of injuries forcing him into expanded roles.

Center Anthony Davis has been particularly vocal about Flagg’s assertiveness and ability to evolve quickly. After Flagg posted 24 points, eight rebounds, and two steals in Denver — along with a coast-to-coast sequence after blocking Nikola Jokić — Davis highlighted his downhill force.

“He’s going to continue to be aggressive,” Davis said. “Him getting downhill, getting to his mid-range and getting to the basket, he’s unstoppable. We told him to play to his strengths…He still has a long ways to go, and that’s scary.”

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd echoed that perspective after Flagg strung together consecutive 20-point games.

Kidd said Flagg’s ability to balance scoring with playmaking reflects an advanced feel for his age.

“In the open court, he’s one of the best in this league only at 18,” Kidd said. “He lets the game come to him, and I thought he delivered, especially down the stretch for us.”

Cooper Flagg Credits Confidence and Teammates

Flagg, who often describes himself as an “impact player,” has repeatedly pointed to the veterans around him for helping him manage expectations as the No. 1 pick.

Asked what has fueled his early-season surge, he pointed immediately to the locker room around him.

“It starts with my teammates,” Flagg said. “They’re just giving me a lot of confidence and helping me get in that mindset…Just having that confidence and going out there and being in attack mode from the jump.”

Flagg also outlined the piece of advice that has carried him through his transition from Duke to the NBA.

“Don’t second-guess yourself. Ever. I’m here for a reason. Be who I am,” he said.

The award capped a month in which Flagg not only produced numbers rarely seen from an 18-year-old, but did so while adapting to multiple roles — including stretches as the Mavericks’ primary ball-handler.

For Kidd, the intangibles have been just as important.

“He understands how to play the game the right way,” Kidd said. “His calmness, his basketball IQ — it’s extremely high.”

With two rookies already playing major roles in Dallas, Flagg’s early trajectory signals a foundation that may shape the franchise for years.

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Tags :Anthony DavisCooper FlaggDallas MavericksJason KiddNBANBA NewsNBA rookiesRookie of the MonthRyan Nembhard

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Grant Afseth

Grant Afseth

Senior Writer
Grant Afseth is a Senior Writer for DallasHoopsJournal.com, where he leads in-depth coverage of the Mavericks, Wings, and more. Between a focus on the latest news, closer looks at games, front office strategy, and more, Afseth provides objective coverage. Afseth contributes broader NBA coverage across platforms and has been cited in national outlets for his reporting and analysis. With nearly a decade of journalism experience, Afseth has covered the NBA and WNBA for multiple major outlets, including Athlon Sports, BallIsLife, Sportskeeda, and RG.org. He previously reported on the Indiana Pacers for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and the Mavericks for FanNation.
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