UPDATE: In a thrilling preseason debut, No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg showcased his remarkable versatility, leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 106-89 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 9, 2023. Flagg’s performance in just 14 minutes of play was nothing short of electrifying.
Flagg, just 18 years old, made an immediate impact on the game, scoring 10 points along with 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and a blocked shot. All of his points came during a spectacular 2-minute, 38-second burst in the second quarter, captivating fans and teammates alike.
“I love playing that fun brand of basketball when the ball’s moving around,” Flagg expressed after the game. “It was fun.” His first points came from a coast-to-coast layup with 5:32 left in the quarter, setting the stage for a dazzling display of skill. Flagg followed up with a three-pointer as the pick-and-roll ballhandler, adding two free throws after a foul, and another three off the dribble, finishing the game shooting 3-of-6 from the floor and 2-of-3 from beyond the arc without a single turnover.
The Mavericks’ head coach, Jason Kidd, praised Flagg’s all-around game, stating, “You got to see the defensive side, you got to see the playmaking and then the scoring. He was really, really good.” Flagg’s standout moment came just 85 seconds into the game with a spectacular block against Isaiah Joe, igniting a fast break that led to a dunk by teammate Anthony Davis.
The Thunder, who did not field any of their regular starters on this back-to-back preseason trip, had recently secured a win over the Charlotte Hornets in Charleston, S.C. on Sunday night. Despite this, Flagg’s performance stood out as a defining moment for the Mavericks, who are gearing up for an intense NBA season.
As the preseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Cooper Flagg and the Mavericks as they continue to refine their skills and strategies. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this young star will contribute to the team’s success moving forward. Stay tuned for more updates on Flagg and the Mavericks as they prepare for their upcoming games.