Cooper Flagg Struggles in NBA Debut as Mavericks Fall to Spurs

DALLAS – In his highly anticipated NBA debut, the No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg faced a challenging introduction to professional basketball. The Dallas Mavericks fell to the San Antonio Spurs with a score of 125-92 on March 15, 2024, leaving Flagg with mixed feelings about his performance.

Flagg’s first possession showcased his potential. He pushed the ball in transition, connecting with Anthony Davis for a lob pass. However, his attempt at a dunk ended with the ball bouncing off the rim, a moment that set the tone for the evening. The 6-foot-9 rookie struggled to find his rhythm, ending the game with just 10 points on 4-of-13 shooting, alongside three turnovers and no assists.

Reflecting on his debut, Flagg stated, “Not great. Obviously, didn’t play incredibly well, but we’ve got to move past it.” He expressed a desire to shift focus to the upcoming game against the Washington Wizards.

Victor Wembanyama Dominates the Game

The game was highlighted by standout performances from the Spurs, particularly from their center, Victor Wembanyama. The 2023 No. 1 pick delivered a remarkable performance, scoring 40 points, securing 15 rebounds, and blocking three shots. His impact on the game was undeniable, overshadowing Flagg’s debut.

Stephon Castle, last season’s Rookie of the Year, contributed significantly as well, adding 22 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals while defending Flagg. Castle remarked, “He didn’t shoot the ball well, but he seemed a lot more poised than I thought he would be.” This acknowledgment of Flagg’s composure amid the pressure reflects optimism for his future.

Dylan Harper, the second overall pick in the draft, also made an impression, scoring 15 points on 7-of-14 shooting in 23 minutes off the bench. Flagg, conversely, did not score until hitting a mid-range jumper at the start of the second half.

Coaching Insights and Team Dynamics

Davis, who led the Mavericks with 22 points, noted that rookie nerves could have played a role in Flagg’s performance. “You’re coming in and preseason was obviously good,” Davis said. “But when that game one comes around… I’m not sure if it got to him, but it’s first-game jitters when it’s time for the real thing.”

Despite Flagg’s struggles, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd maintained a positive outlook. He stated, “I thought he played well. Now, the stat line is not going to say that, but no one in this room is sitting in his shoes.” Kidd emphasized that Flagg would learn from this experience and improve as the season progresses.

Statistically, the Mavericks scored only eight points out of the 19 possessions initiated by Flagg, highlighting the need for better offensive cohesion. The team’s lineup, which includes 6-foot-6 Klay Thompson as the shortest player, aims to leverage Flagg’s playmaking alongside experienced forwards like P.J. Washington and Davis.

Flagg acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “We just got a little stagnant. It’s early, so we got to keep working on that, figure it out, get our flow a little bit better.” He attempted only two shots in the first half but showed determination in the third quarter, scoring four points.

Ending the game with a double-double, Flagg grabbed 10 rebounds in his 32 minutes on the court, joining the ranks of notable players who achieved such a feat in their debut. The Mavericks will look to learn from this experience as they prepare for their next matchup, with Flagg eager to contribute more effectively.

“I’m excited to keep going,” Flagg concluded. “Obviously, it hurts, the first loss being like that, but I’m just trying to look forward to the next one, turn the page and get ready.”