Cooper Flagg Shines in Summer League Debut for Dallas Mavericks

LAS VEGAS — The Dallas Mavericks opened the 2025 Summer League with an 87-85 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, marking the debut of rookie Cooper Flagg, the consensus No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft. Fans and analysts alike were eager to see how Flagg would perform, especially in a matchup against Lakers guard Bronny James, a fellow basketball prodigy.

From the outset, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. Flagg, wearing jersey number 32, quickly became the focal point of both the Mavericks' strategy and the crowd's attention. The Lakers, aware of his potential, immediately deployed double teams, signaling their intent to contain the young forward.

Flagg's debut performance offered a glimpse into his versatile skill set, an aspect that has been a significant talking point since he was drafted. He finished the game with 10 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three steals in 31 minutes, showcasing his ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game. Despite a shooting percentage of just 23.8% (5-of-21), Flagg's impact was felt through his defensive prowess and court vision.

"I tried to be aggressive. Honestly, that might be one of the worst games of my life, but we got the win, so that’s what really matters to me," Flagg stated post-game, reflecting on his performance and the challenges of adapting to the professional level after a long layoff since his time at Duke University.

In a notable moment during the game, Flagg displayed his athleticism by racing down the court for a one-handed dunk following a steal, an exciting highlight that drew cheers from the crowd. His ability to handle the ball was also on display as he navigated full-court pressure from the Lakers, contributing to the Mavericks' offensive flow.

Mavericks' head coach Jason Kidd has expressed confidence in Flagg's potential to play various roles within the team. While it remains uncertain how frequently Flagg will assume point guard duties during the regular season, his performance certainly opened eyes.

In addition to Flagg, several other players made significant contributions. Two-way guard Ryan Nembhard led the Mavericks in scoring with 21 points, showcasing his own talents and complementing Flagg’s play. Nembhard's shooting was crucial, particularly in the final minutes of the game. Miles Kelly also stepped up, adding 17 points of his own.

The Summer League opener was attended by numerous members of the Mavericks organization, including minority owner Mark Cuban and key players such as Kyrie Irving and P.J. Washington. Their presence underscored the importance of Flagg's debut and the team's collective aspirations for the upcoming season.

As the Mavericks look forward to the regular season, Flagg's performance in Las Vegas may serve as a critical stepping stone in his development as a professional athlete. The combination of his raw talent, coupled with the support from established players and coaching staff, could position him for a breakout season in the years to come.

Overall, Cooper Flagg’s debut was a mix of promise and learning experiences, setting the stage for what could be an exciting career in the NBA. The Mavericks, with their young talent, are poised to build on this foundation as they navigate the challenges ahead.