Flagg’s Mavs debut: No sparkle against Spurs, but with a future

In his NBA debut, Cooper Flagg, the first draft pick, attempted a spectacular play, but the result was not as expected. After receiving a pass from Anthony Davis, Flagg failed to score the basket, which anticipated a complicated night for him and the Dallas Mavericks. Flagg finished the game with 10 points, the result of 4 of 13 shots, in the Mavericks’ loss to the San Antonio Spurs by 125-92. Playing as a point guard, a position he had not played before, he committed three turnovers without registering any assists.

It wasn’t good.

Cooper Flagg

The game was dominated by the Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama, who scored 40 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and blocked 3 shots. Stephon Castle, also of the Spurs, added 22 points and was Flagg’s primary defender.

He didn’t throw well, but he seemed much calmer than I expected. He didn’t seem very nervous, so I think he’ll have a great year.

Stephon Castle

Dylan Harper, the second draft pick, had a more outstanding debut, scoring 15 points. For his part, Flagg did not score until the second quarter.

It’s his first game. He’s still a rookie.

Anthony Davis

Despite the defeat, Flagg achieved 10 rebounds, becoming the fifth Dallas player to achieve a double-double in his debut. His coach, Jason Kidd, was not discouraged by his performance.

I think he played well. He’s going to learn from this game. We all will and we’ll be better the next time we’re on the court.

Jason Kidd

According to data, the Mavericks only scored eight points in the 19 possessions in which Flagg brought the ball up. The team plans to use Flagg along with P.J. Washington and Davis in a ball and player movement system.

We just stagnated a bit. It’s early, so we have to keep working on it, figure it out, and improve our rhythm.

Cooper Flagg

Flagg attempted few shots in the first half, but was more aggressive in the third quarter, where he scored 4 of 11 shots. Kidd highlighted his teamwork and his ability to make the right decisions. He played within himself. He’s making plays. He throws himself to the ground. He’s not going to come out and shoot every time he touches the ball. The Mavericks were outscored by 29 points with Flagg on the court. Despite the loss, Flagg remains optimistic and focused on the future.