Flagg Breaks NBA Scoring Record, But Focuses on the Loss

SALT LAKE CITY — Cooper Flagg scored the most points by an 18-year-old in NBA history, but the accomplishment felt hollow after a defeat.

Flagg exploded for 42 points – surpassing the previous record of 37 set by LeBron james on December 13, 2003 – in a 140-133 loss to the Utah jazz on Monday night.

“Obviously we didn’t win. So it’s tough for me to want to be happy, or any of that, but obviously it’s a success,” said Flagg, who iced his ankle after rolling it late in the fourth quarter.

Flagg, who turns 19 on Sunday, also contributed 7 rebounds and 6 assists, along with 2 blocks and a steal.He’s only the third teenager in NBA history to reach 40 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in a single game, joining LeBron James and Kevin durant.