"When I'm in the game, I don't really know what's going on": Cooper Flagg brushes off significance of 42pt game feat despite making ACC history

Duke freshman Cooper Flagg put any doubt to rest about his NBA draft status with his epic performance against Notre Dame on Saturday. Flagg's 42-point outburst set a program record for a Blue Devils freshman, passing Zion Williamson's previous high.

Flagg, a projected top pick in the 2025 NBA draft, also became the first Duke player since JJ Redick, the 2006 Naismith Player of the Year, to touch the 40-point mark in a single game. He also shattered the ACC's single-game scoring record for a freshman.

While the numbers are undoubtedly impressive, Flagg downplayed the historical significance of his performance when speaking to the media after the game.

"I kind of knew the whole time, but I was just out there playing. When I'm in the game, I don't really know what's going on, so I'm just playing locked-in," Flagg said.

A reporter further probed Cooper Flagg about the 40-point milestone, to which the Duke star responded nonchalantly.

"Not really, I'm really just trying to do whatever it takes to win the game out there," the freshman said. "So, I mean from the start they kind of were off me, just leaving me open in the corner a couple times early. I'm just going to take the open shots and make the right play, and tonight was putting the ball in the basket."

The 6-foot-9 forward's stat line, which included seven assists and six rebounds, was the first of its kind for the freshman since ex-Oklahoma star Trae Young to record a 40-5-5 game.

Cooper Flagg sets several new career highs, leading Duke past Notre Dame

Apart from the career-high 42 points in the 86-78 win over Notre Dame, Cooper Flagg also set new highs in other statistical categories. He connected on 4-of-6 attempts from beyond the arc — a career-best and knocked down 16 free throws in 17 attempts — another personal best.

The Newport, Maine native also matched his career-high total of seven assists and pulled down six rebounds. Besides, his 11-of-14 shooting night from the field was also the best shooting performance of his young career.

"I feel like this is one of my more aggressive performances," Flagg said after the game. "I'm just coming out ready on fire from the start. I just gotta give the credit to my teammates. I mean, they were just giving me open looks from the jump."

Following the Saturday game, Cooper Flagg's season averages stand at 19.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists per game while shooting 47.9% from the field.