Cooper Flagg and Luka Doncic — Nearly Identical Numbers After 49 NBA Games

When the Mavericks used the No. 1 pick on Cooper Flagg, it didn’t take long for comparisons to Luka Doncic to start. Whether you see Flagg as Luka’s replacement or simply the new face of the franchise, their early stat lines make for a striking conversation starter.

Strikingly similar starts

Through their first 49 NBA games, the raw numbers are almost mirror images. Luka posted 999 points, 340 rebounds, 265 assists, 55 steals and a roughly 55.6% true shooting percentage. Cooper finished those same-opening-game stretches with 999 points, 321 rebounds, 202 assists, 58 steals and about a 56.0% true shooting percentage. It’s rare to see two young players line up so closely in scoring and efficiency this early.

Both also hit a 49-point high in that span. Luka’s 49 came in a win that also included 11 rebounds and eight assists, while Flagg’s 49 was a career high and set the mark for the most points scored by a teenager in an NBA game, even though it came in a loss. Beyond the box score, many observers note a difference in style: Flagg is already getting praise for his defensive intensity, while Doncic early on drew more attention for his offensive wizardry.

What it might mean for Dallas

Numbers like these do two things: they create excitement and they raise expectations. The franchise clearly signaled its intent to build around Flagg, and the front office has faced scrutiny over several high-profile moves, which has led to personnel changes in the organization. Whether Flagg follows Luka’s trajectory offensively or carves out a different identity by leaning on defense and playmaking will shape Dallas’ next few seasons.

At this stage, the similarities are a fun stat line — and a reminder that early production is only part of the story. Development, team fit, coaching and health will play bigger roles in determining whether Flagg becomes an equal or even a distinct, perhaps more two-way, cornerstone for the Mavericks.