Cooper Flagg’s NBA Debut Falls Flat as Mavericks Lose 125-92

UPDATE: In a highly anticipated debut, No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg struggled as the Dallas Mavericks faced a crushing defeat against the San Antonio Spurs, losing 125-92 at the American Airlines Center on October 25, 2023.

Flagg’s first offensive play showcased his potential but ended in disappointment. After receiving a lob pass from Anthony Davis, the rookie missed a dunk, setting the tone for a challenging night. Flagg finished with just 10 points on 4-of-13 shooting, going scoreless in the first half and committing three turnovers without any assists.

“Not great,” Flagg remarked, assessing his performance. “Obviously, didn’t play incredibly well, but we’ve got to move past it and start looking toward Friday against the Washington Wizards.”

The game was dominated by Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama, who delivered an outstanding performance with 40 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 blocks. His presence overshadowed Flagg’s debut, as the Spurs’ offense overwhelmed the Mavericks.

Despite the disappointing scoreline, Flagg managed to record 10 rebounds, becoming the fifth Dallas player to achieve a double-double in his NBA debut. His coach, Jason Kidd, defended the rookie, stating, “I thought he played well. No one in this room is sitting in his shoes. As a rookie, he did fine, and he’s going to learn from this game.”

The Mavericks’ offense struggled, scoring only 8 points on 19 possessions that Flagg initiated. Kidd highlighted the need for improvement, noting that Flagg’s role in a supersized lineup will evolve as he gains experience. “We just got a little stagnant,” Flagg said. “It’s early, so we got to keep working on that.”

Flagg’s performance was observed closely by Spurs guard Stephon Castle, last season’s Rookie of the Year, who praised Flagg’s poise despite the tough start. “He didn’t shoot the ball well, but he seemed a lot more poised than I thought he would be,” Castle commented.

As Flagg prepares for the next challenge against the Wizards, he remains optimistic. “I’m excited to keep going. Obviously, it hurts, the first loss being like that, but I’m just trying to look forward to the next one,” he said, emphasizing the need for his team to improve.

With the season just beginning, all eyes will be on Flagg as he navigates the pressures of the NBA. The Mavericks will look to rebound quickly and refine their strategies in the upcoming match.