Title: Cooper Flagg Lights Up Summer League With 31-Point Outburst Despite Mavericks’ Loss
Cooper Flagg turned heads Saturday night at the Thomas & Mack Center, delivering a dazzling 31-point performance in his second NBA Summer League game—but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Dallas Mavericks from falling 76–69 to the San Antonio Spurs.
A Statement Game After Tough Debut
Flagg came into Saturday’s matchup following a shaky Summer League debut on Thursday, where he managed just 10 points on 5‑for‑21 shooting against the Lakers . That game, while inefficient, still allowed him to showcase his defensive instincts—grabbing six rebounds, dishing out four assists, and registering three steals and a block .
Against the Spurs, Flagg looked significantly sharper. He rattled off 31 points on 10‑for‑21 shooting (including 3 of 9 from deep), added four rebounds, one assist, and a block over 32 minutes . His balanced effort across scoring, playmaking, and defense reinforced his growing confidence .
How the Game Unfolded
- Slow start, blazing finish: Flagg struggled early, posting just three points in the first quarter. He caught fire afterward, racking up 15 points by halftime and tacking on seven more in the third. He punctuated his stat line with nine points in the fourth—though the Mavericks ultimately couldn’t overcome their deficit .
- Highlight-reel plays: Flagg’s athleticism shone through multiple electrifying dunks, including an alley-oop lob from Ryan Nembhard and a one-handed slam to close out the third quarter . His speed to the rim, marked by numerous trademark left-hand finishes, had fans buzzing .
Strengths and Struggles
- Aggressiveness & Free Throws: He attacked with confidence, getting to the line 13 times (making eight) . His aggression opened up the game, despite still needing work at the charity stripe.
- Shooting efficiency: Fifty percent shooting overall showcased much-improved efficiency. Still, inconsistency from distance (3-for-9 from three-point range) and free-throw line lapses highlight room for growth .
- Defensive potential: Beyond scoring, Flagg contributed with steals and pressured the ball. He also took over some play-making duties, even dabbling as a point guard at coach Jason Kidd’s direction .
What Others Are Saying
The matchup against the Spurs’ No. 2 pick, Dylan Harper, added intrigue to the game. Harper put up 16 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block in just 20 minutes—more than enough to secure the win .
On social media and expert panels, the consensus was clear: Flagg is legit. Skip Bayless noted: “Cooper Flagg is getting more and more comfortable with his shot. He’ll immediately average 20ish for the Mavs…” . Another fan commented, “Coop really is different. … And it’s hard not to be excited…” He added, “Cooper Flagg on both ends of the floor…” .
️ Areas for Improvement
- Free-throw shooting: With eight attempts and five misses, dialing in his mechanics at the line should be a focus.
- Consistency from deep: While capable of hitting threes, he’ll need better accuracy and confidence from long range.
- Playmaking polish: Kidd’s experiment with Flagg at point guard highlights the need for refined ball-handling and decision-making against high-level defense .
The Bigger Picture
Flagg’s performance underscores why the Mavericks gave up considerable assets to draft him No. 1 overall. He blends multi-positional versatility with high-upside athleticism and a growing feel for different roles. Coach Kidd’s move to test Flagg as a ball-handler and creator reflects a long-term plan to develop a dynamic, two-way star .
Even in defeat, Flagg emerged as the bright spot. His stat line—31 points, four rebounds, one assist, one block, and solid defense—paints the picture of an 18-year-old poised to make significant strides .
What’s Next?
The Summer League continues, offering Flagg more chances to refine his game. Whether unlocking consistent 20+ point nights or showcasing his versatility as a facilitator and defender, Dallas fans will be eager to track his progress.
Cooper Flagg’s outing reminds everyone why he’s at the center of the Mavericks’ future. He may have fallen short in the win column, but this performance was a decisive step forward—and a glimpse of a budding star in motion.
