Records usually come with smiles. On Monday night in Salt Lake City, Cooper Flagg made NBA history — and still couldn’t bring himself to celebrate.

The Dallas Mavericks rookie poured in 42 points, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to score 40 or more, eclipsing a mark once held by LeBron James. But Flagg’s milestone performance came in a 140–133 overtime loss to the Utah Jazz, a result that muted the moment for the 18-year-old sensation.

(Cooper Flagg )
(Dallas Mavericks )

“Obviously, we didn’t win,” Flagg said afterward, a bag of ice wrapped around his ankle. “So it’s tough for me to want to be happy… but obviously, it’s a success.”

A night that rewrote the record books

Flagg’s 42-point outing broke the previous teenage scoring record of 37, set by LeBron James on December 13, 2003. At 18 years and 359 days, Flagg also joined elite company — becoming just the third teenager in NBA history to post 40 points, five rebounds, and five assists in a game.

The only others to do it? Kevin Durant and LeBron James.

(LeBron James )
(Kevin Durant )

Flagg’s full stat line read like a veteran star’s:
42 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal — a complete display from the No. 1 overall pick who turns 19 on Sunday.

Jason Kidd sees the growth

Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd had seen this coming.

“The more time he spends on the floor, the more he sees, the better he gets,” Kidd said. “He displayed it all tonight.”

(Jason Kidd)

Flagg has been surging in recent weeks, averaging 25.7 points over his last seven games, and attacking the rim with increasing confidence. Against Utah, his aggression earned him 20 free-throw attempts, converting 15.

The moment that forced overtime

Late in regulation, Flagg showed a veteran’s awareness. With Dallas trailing, he intentionally missed a free throw, sending a long rebound to teammate Max Christie, who was fouled with 3.9 seconds left, helping push the game into overtime.

(Max Christie )

It was a smart, instinctive play — the kind that doesn’t always show up in highlights, but coaches love.

Pain, pressure, and perspective

Overtime, however, belonged to Utah. The Jazz closed on an 11–0 run, and Flagg didn’t score a basket in the extra period as his rolled ankle limited his explosiveness.

Despite tying Mark Aguirre for the most points ever by a Mavericks rookie, Flagg focused on what went wrong.

“I’ve got to be better,” he admitted. “A couple of dumb turnovers, missed a couple easy ones… executing down the stretch.”

(Mark Aguirre)

A franchise centerpiece in the making

With Anthony Davis sidelined and Dallas dealing with multiple injuries, the Mavericks increasingly turned to Flagg as their offensive hub — and he delivered.

“We were going to Coop,” said P.J. Washington. “He was killing them the whole game. He’s a special player.”

(P.J. Washington)

Flagg, though, remains grounded. Records don’t interest him nearly as much as consistency.

“I’m not really focused on that stuff,” he said. “I’m just focused on being present, day to day, and getting better.”

At 18, Cooper Flagg is already rewriting NBA history. What’s clear after Monday night is this: he’s not chasing headlines — he’s chasing wins. And that mindset may matter more than any record he breaks along the way.

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Few people understand the standards of Manchester United quite like Edwin van der Sar — and after Monday night’s astonishing 4-4 draw against Bournemouth, the former Red Devils goalkeeper didn’t try to hide his disappointment.

As goals flew in at both ends at Old Trafford, United surrendered control time and again, turning what should have been a crucial win into another damaging setback. Watching from afar, Van der Sar summed up the mood of many fans with a short but stinging message on X (formerly Twitter).

“Quickly walked the dog at half time and what happened ffs in Manchester?” he wrote.

(Edwin van der Sar )
(Manchester United )

A night that slipped away — again

United went into the match knowing that a win would lift them to fifth place in the Premier League, tightening their grip on the top-four race. Instead, familiar defensive frailties returned.

Goals from Amad Diallo and Casemiro gave United a 2-1 lead at half-time, but the second half spiralled into chaos. Evanilson and Marcus Tavernier struck to put Bournemouth ahead, before captain Bruno Fernandes dragged United level with a superb free-kick into the top corner.

(Bruno Fernandes )

When Matheus Cunha finished off a blistering counter-attack late on, it looked like United had finally secured three vital points. But defensive concentration deserted them once more, allowing Eli Junior Kroupi to equalise in the 84th minute and stun Old Trafford.

(Matheus Cunha)

Van der Sar’s frustration boils over

After the final whistle, Van der Sar followed up his initial post with another pointed observation, acknowledging the goalkeeper’s late heroics — but making his disappointment clear.

“Pfff… two good saves at the end but disappointing result from the team to have another setback at home!” he wrote.

The saves he referenced came from Senne Lammens, whose quick reactions prevented Bournemouth from completing a dramatic late turnaround and stealing all three points.

(Senne Lammens )

Defensive worries persist under Amorim

United head coach Rúben Amorim made little effort to sugarcoat the performance afterwards. The Portuguese manager admitted the defending was “not good enough,” echoing concerns that have followed United throughout the season.

(Rúben Amorim )

For a club chasing consistency and credibility, conceding four goals at home — and nearly five — underlined why frustration is growing among former players and supporters alike.

Focus turns to Villa Park

There is little time for reflection. United now face a daunting trip to Aston Villa at Villa Park, a fixture that suddenly feels even heavier after points dropped at home.

For Van der Sar, the reaction was instinctive. For United, it was another reminder that progress in the Premier League isn’t just about scoring goals — it’s about controlling games when it matters most.

And on this night, control vanished.

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When the game slowed down, the pressure climbed, and overtime loomed, Nikola Jokić once again reminded the NBA why nights like this seem routine to him — even when they’re anything but.

The reigning Finals MVP delivered his 12th triple-double of the season, posting 39 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, as the Denver Nuggets edged the Houston Rockets 128–125 in overtime on Monday night. The win came in a matchup featuring two of the top three teams in the Western Conference, and it felt every bit like a playoff preview.

(Nikola Jokić )
(Denver Nuggets )

Jamal Murray rises when it matters

While Jokić anchored the night, Jamal Murray provided the finishing firepower. Murray poured in 35 points, including six of Denver’s 11 overtime points, and calmly knocked down 14 of 15 free throws.

It was Murray’s free throw with 2.3 seconds left in regulation — after an away-from-play foul on Amen Thompson — that forced overtime. Jokić had a chance to end it at the buzzer, but his deep three came up just short.

(Jamal Murray )

A finish worthy of the standings

The final 1:40 of regulation featured four ties and four lead changes, a stretch that left Ball Arena buzzing. Once in overtime, Denver briefly pulled away, taking a 124–117 lead after a Spencer Jones three-pointer.

But Houston refused to fold.

The Rockets clawed back within three and had the ball with 13 seconds remaining. Alperen Şengün launched a contested 24-foot three with under five seconds left — a shot that could’ve changed the night — but it rattled out, allowing Denver to escape.

Rockets stars answer the challenge

Houston didn’t leave Denver empty-handed in spirit. Alperen Şengün recorded his first triple-double of the season with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, showcasing why he remains central to the Rockets’ rise in the West.

(Alperen Şengün )

Meanwhile, Kevin Durant delivered an all-around performance with 25 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and five blocks, but it wasn’t enough to stop Houston’s third straight road loss.

(Kevin Durant )

Denver survives through adversity

The Nuggets’ win was even more impressive considering the circumstances. Denver was already without starters Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Christian Braun (ankle), then lost Peyton Watson just six minutes into the game due to a right trunk contusion.

Despite the injuries, Denver leaned on experience, execution, and Jokić’s ability to bend the game to his will.

The victory marked Denver’s fifth straight win and their first home victory since November 8, reasserting their dominance at Ball Arena.

What this game says about the West

This wasn’t just another December win. It was a reminder that when games slow down and chaos sets in, the Nuggets still have the league’s most reliable constant.

Jokić didn’t celebrate wildly afterward. He rarely does.

For him, this was just another night — one where excellence looked effortless, and the Nuggets quietly sent a message to the rest of the West.

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