Cooper Flagg Shines in NBA Preseason Debut with Dallas Mavericks
Cooper Flagg, the first overall pick in the recent NBA draft, showcased his multifaceted skill set during his preseason debut with the Dallas Mavericks. In a game held at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, the Mavericks triumphed over the Oklahoma City Thunder with a score of 106-89. Flagg’s performance was notable for both his scoring and all-around contributions in just 14 minutes of play.
The 18-year-old rookie made a significant impact, scoring 10 points while also adding six rebounds, three assists, and a blocked shot. His scoring burst occurred within a dynamic two-minute stretch in the second quarter, showcasing his ability to seize opportunities quickly. Flagg’s first points came after he secured a defensive rebound and drove the length of the court for a contested layup with 5:32 left in the half.
Flagg continued his offensive onslaught by hitting a three-pointer on the next possession as the pick-and-roll ballhandler. He also converted two free throws after drawing a foul on a spin move in the paint and capped off his scoring with another three-pointer off the dribble. He finished the game shooting 3-of-6 from the floor and 2-of-3 from beyond the arc without committing a turnover, effectively managing some point guard duties.
“I just take whatever the defense gives me,” Flagg said after the game. “Keeping it simple and making the right play—whether that’s a pass or a shot.” His approach reflects a mature understanding of basketball that belies his age.
Flagg’s defensive prowess was also on display early in the game. Just 85 seconds in, he made a highlight-reel block on Isaiah Joe‘s driving layup attempt. This defensive play ignited a fast break, which ended with a dunk by teammate Anthony Davis. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd praised Flagg’s overall performance, stating, “You got to see the defensive side, you got to see the playmaking and then the scoring. He was really, really good.”
The Thunder, who are the defending champions, opted not to include any of their regular starters in this back-to-back preseason matchup. They had played the previous night against the Charlotte Hornets in Charleston, South Carolina.
This preseason debut marks a promising start for Flagg and the Mavericks as they aim to build momentum leading into the regular season. As Flagg continues to develop his game, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his versatility will contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming NBA season.
