Cooper Flagg Dominates Derik Queen in Rookie Duel
In an exciting encounter between two of the young NBA prospects, Cooper Flagg led the Dallas Mavericks to a comeback victory over the Pelicans, defeating his former high school teammate, Derik Queen. The game, played at the American Airlines Center, saw Flagg score 12 of his 29 points in the final quarter, demonstrating his composure in crucial moments. The victory came with a final score of 118-115, after Queen missed a three-pointer in the final seconds, wasting the opportunity to tie the game. This matchup represented a role reversal for both players, as in their first encounter of the season, Queen and the Pelicans prevailed over the Mavericks, leaving Flagg with a bitter taste.Flagg, who missed Wednesday’s game against the Knicks due to illness, was a dominant force in the decisive moments against the Pelicans. He contributed points and assists in the Mavericks’ final possessions, including a key pass to Naji Marshall for the three-pointer that gave them the final lead. Despite the Mavericks’ struggles to close out games, Flagg has consistently shown his mettle in high-pressure situations. He is among the league leaders in clutch points, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure.“I saw him laughing at me. That’s probably what made him laugh, but it’s crazy. Full circle,” Queen commented on his post-game encounter with Flagg, his former teammate at Montverde Academy in Florida.
Derik Queen
The game also highlighted Queen’s ability to generate play, especially in the first quarter, where he accumulated seven assists. Flagg, for his part, demonstrated his versatility, adding seven rebounds and five assists, joining LeBron James as the only 18-year-old players to achieve at least 25 points, five rebounds and five assists in a game. In the second half, Flagg focused on attacking the paint, scoring 21 points with high efficiency. Flagg finished with 20 points in the paint, becoming the second-youngest player to achieve this feat in the NBA. “He’s becoming what we all know he is. Just being himself, embracing the big moments and converting. Getting to the paint, getting to his spots and making the right decision every time,” commented P.J. Washington, Mavericks player.“In clutch situations, he’s not afraid. We give him the ball and it seems like he’s been there before. Being able to score when you need a basket, when everyone knows you’re going to go to him, is deliberate. For an 18-year-old kid, that’s pretty special,” declared Mavericks coach Jason Kidd.
Jason Kidd
