Flagg’s Mavs Debut: No Sparkle Against Spurs, But With Hope

Cooper Flagg Debuts with the Mavericks: Expectations vs. Reality

In his highly anticipated NBA debut, Cooper Flagg, the first draft pick, had a bittersweet start with the Dallas Mavericks. Despite the great anticipation and expectations placed on him, the young player had a mixed performance in his first official game. Flagg’s first offensive possession of his professional career was a clear example of what his night would be like. After bringing the ball up the court and assisting Anthony Davis, he attempted a spectacular alley-oop, but failed to score. The ball bounced off the rim and Flagg fell to the baseline. The game, played at the American Airlines Center, ended in a defeat for the Mavericks against the San Antonio Spurs, with a score of 125-92. Flagg finished the game with 10 points, the result of 4 out of 13 field goals. Playing as a point guard, a position he had never played before joining the Mavs, he committed three turnovers without registering any assists.

It wasn’t great. Obviously, I didn’t play incredibly well, but we have to turn the page and start looking towards Friday.

Cooper Flagg

The match was dominated by the Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama, who proved his worth with 40 points and 15 rebounds. Stephon Castle, also of the Spurs, and who was Rookie of the Year last season, added 22 points and defended Flagg.

He didn’t throw the ball well, but he seemed much calmer than I thought. In my first game I was nervous. He made good reads. He didn’t seem very flustered, so I think he’s going to have a great year.

Stephon Castle

Dylan Harper, second draft pick, had a more impressive debut with 15 points. Anthony Davis, Flagg’s teammate, also offered his perspective on the rookie’s performance.

It’s the first game. He’s a rookie… I’m not sure if he’s a social media guy or not, but you saw it: it was all the comparison between Cooper Flagg, number 1, and Wemby and all that. So you start hearing it, and I’m not sure if it affected him, but it’s first-game jitters when it comes down to it. So he’ll be fine.

Anthony Davis

Despite the difficulties, Flagg achieved 10 rebounds in his 32 minutes of play, becoming the fifth Mavericks player to achieve a double-double in his NBA debut. Coach Jason Kidd does not consider Flagg’s debut discouraging.

I think he played well. Now, the stat line won’t say that, but nobody in this room is in his shoes. As a rookie, he did well and he will learn from this game. We all will, and we will be better the next time we go out on the court.

Jason Kidd

According to data, the Mavericks scored only eight points in the 19 possessions in which Flagg brought the ball up. The team plans to use Flagg as a point guard in a lineup that includes Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, and Anthony Davis, in a system designed for ball and player movement.

We stalled a bit. It’s early, so we have to keep working on it, figure it out, improve our flow a bit.

Cooper Flagg

Flagg attempted only two shots in the first half, but was more aggressive in the third quarter, scoring 4 of 11 shots. Kidd praised his game and his focus.

I think Cooper played within himself. He took what the defense gave him. He’s making plays. He’s getting to the floor. He’s one of those that’s not going to come out here and just shoot every time he touches the ball. He tries to play the game the right way, and I thought he did that in the first half. I thought he felt comfortable and came out in the third, started looking to be aggressive to shoot some shots that he made.

Jason Kidd

The Mavericks were outscored by 29 points with Flagg on the court, the worst record of the game.

I’m excited to move forward. Obviously, it hurts that the first defeat is like that, but I’m just trying to look towards the next one, turn the page and be ready. We know we have to be much better than that, so just stay positive and be ready and focused on the next one.

Cooper Flagg