Patchwork Rockets must contend with Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg

Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg had already confirmed his extraordinary talent before he produced a historic performance on Thursday that lifted him even higher into the stratosphere.

With the Mavericks poised to honor one of their franchise legends, Flagg scored a team rookie record 49 points and corralled 10 rebounds in a 123-121 loss to the Charlotte Hornets. Flagg surpassed the mark of 42 points Mark Aguirre, who had his No. 24 hoisted to the rafters, scored as a rookie during the 1981-82 season, and Flagg matched on Dec.