Cooper Flagg had an uneven NBA debut for the Dallas Mavericks last night, finishing with 10 points and 10 rebounds but shooting efficiently tested and ultimately below his own high expectations in a 125-92 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
What happened
- Box score: Flagg logged 32 minutes, 10 points, 10 rebounds, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, and went 4-for-13 from the field with 0-for-1 from three and 2-for-2 at the line. He did not have a made three and his scoring came in a hard-fought, challenging environment for a rookie thrust into a primary ball-handling role.
- Context of the night: Dallas struggled as a team, with the Spurs pulling away early and maintaining control throughout the game, limiting many Mavericks contributors. Flagg’s debut was notable more for the pressure and learning opportunities than for a breakout stat line.
- Postgame take: Flagg himself acknowledged the performance wasn’t great and emphasized moving past it to focus on the next game, signaling a clear mindset toward growth and adjusting to NBA speed. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd also commented that Flagg played within his limits but he’s trusted to develop as a core piece.
Why it mattered
- Role and expectations: At 18 years old, Flagg started at point guard in a position he hadn’t played before, which amplified the learning curve and the variability in line results. Early-season notes from observers highlighted his potential and the need for experience, especially with ball handling and pace at the NBA level.
- Next steps: With the debut in the books, attention shifted to how he adapts in the ensuing games—improved decision-making, better spacing, and continued development of shot creation and playmaking will be key for his trajectory in Dallas. Coaches and reporters consistently stressed patience and long-term upside.
Direct answer
Cooper Flagg’s last night: he finished the Mavericks’ season opener with 10
points and 10 rebounds in 32 minutes, but there were several missteps and a
rough shooting line (4-for-13, 0-for-1 from three), and Dallas lost 125-92 to
the Spurs. He also committed 3 turnovers and acknowledged the performance
wasn’t up to his standards, signaling a focus on rapid improvement as he
adjusts to NBA-level speed and his new guard role.
