UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown, Cooper Flagg led the Dallas Mavericks to a dramatic 118-115 comeback victory against the New Orleans Pelicans on November 3, 2023. Flagg showcased his remarkable talent by scoring a career-high 29 points, including 12 points in the crucial fourth quarter, solidifying his status as a rising NBA star.
The game took place at the American Airlines Center, where Flagg’s decisive performance came after he previously struggled in a loss to the Pelicans earlier this month. This time, he turned the tide, scoring or assisting on five of the Mavericks’ last eight possessions. His clutch play included a pivotal assist to Naji Marshall, who hit a three-pointer that granted Dallas the lead for good with just 32 seconds remaining.
Derik Queen, Flagg’s former teammate from Montverde Academy, also had an impressive night, finishing with 20 points, seven rebounds, and a career-high 11 assists. However, Queen’s missed three-pointer on the Pelicans’ final possession marked a disappointing end to an otherwise stellar performance.
“I [saw] him laugh at me,” Queen reflected postgame, acknowledging the friendly rivalry. “That’s probably what he was laughing at, but yo, that’s crazy. Full circle.”
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd praised Flagg’s fearless approach in clutch situations, saying, “He seems like he’s been there before. Being able to score when you need a bucket… he’s deliberate. For an 18-year-old, that’s pretty special.” Flagg is currently tied for sixth in the league with 31 points in clutch situations, demonstrating his poise in high-pressure moments.
Despite a rocky start, where the Mavericks trailed by as much as 15 points, Flagg rallied after halftime. Responding to Kidd’s challenge to attack the paint, he scored 21 points on 8-of-9 shooting in the second half, primarily from inside the key. His ability to adjust his game was key to the comeback.
“I was settling too much for jump shots,” Flagg admitted. “You got to put more pressure on the defense.” His dominance in the paint was historic; he became the second-youngest player in NBA history to score at least 20 points in the paint, just a day older than LeBron James when he accomplished the feat.
With this performance, Flagg joined James as the only 18-year-olds to record at least 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists in a game. His remarkable night has fans buzzing and analysts re-evaluating the trajectory of his young career.
As the Mavericks navigate a challenging season with a current record of 5-12, Flagg’s emergence as a clutch performer provides a beacon of hope. All eyes will be on him as he continues to develop and lead the Mavericks through the ups and downs of the NBA season.
Expect more thrilling moments from Flagg and Queen as their rivalry and careers evolve in the coming games. The NBA landscape is changing, and both players are set to become significant figures in their teams’ futures.