Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd paid tribute to "special" Cooper Flagg, after his starring role in their victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.

The number one draft pick scored a career-high 29 points, as well as seven rebounds and five assists, including 12 in the final quarter as the Mavs came from behind to prevail 118-115 at the American Airlines Center.

Flagg became only the second 18-year-old to score at least 25 points, five rebounds and five assists in an NBA game, after LeBron James.

The Pelicans almost tied the game with their final attack but Derik Queen was unsuccessful with an attempted three-pointer in the dying seconds.

MAVS WIN!!!@Chime // #MFFL pic.twitter.com/huWOH050My

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) November 22, 2025

Victory and his own performance represented an ideal return to action for Flagg, who missed Wednesday's loss to the New York Knicks through illness.

The 18-year-old is 10-of-16 for shooting in clutch situations (the final five minutes or regulation or overtime with the score within five points) this season, while registering 14 rebounds and six assists during this period.

"Clutch [situations], he's not afraid," Kidd said of Flagg. "We get him the ball, and he seems like he's been there before.

"Being able to score when you need a bucket, when everyone knows that you're coming to him, he's deliberate. For an 18-year-old, that's pretty special."

"He's blossoming into who we all know he is," Mavs forward P.J. Washington added.

"Just being himself, taking on the big moments and converting. Getting to the paint, getting to his spots and making the right decision each and every time."