Cooper Flagg Struggles in NBA Debut as Mavs Suffer Defeat

UPDATE: In a disappointing debut, top NBA draft pick Cooper Flagg struggled as the Dallas Mavericks faced a decisive 125-92 defeat against the San Antonio Spurs on October 25, 2023. Flagg’s performance, marked by a scoreless first half and a total of just 10 points on 4-of-13 shooting, left fans eager for a turnaround.

The game began with high expectations at the American Airlines Center, where Flagg’s first offensive possession showcased his potential. However, after missing a dunk off a lob from Anthony Davis, Flagg’s debut became a reflection of missed opportunities. “Not great,” Flagg said, assessing his performance. “Obviously, didn’t play incredibly well, but we’ve got to move past it, turn our focus and start looking toward Friday [against the Washington Wizards].”

Flagg, who started at point guard—a position he had never played before—committed three turnovers without recording an assist. This led to concerns about his adjustment to the NBA. The pressure of the moment was palpable, especially with Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs’ No. 1 pick, dominating the game with 40 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 blocks.

Former Rookie of the Year, Stephon Castle, praised Flagg despite his struggles, saying, “He didn’t shoot the ball well, but he seemed a lot more poised than I thought he would be.” Castle’s words echoed the sentiment that first-game jitters could impact even the most promising rookies.

In contrast, Dylan Harper, chosen second in the draft, excelled with 15 points in his debut, highlighting the competitive atmosphere surrounding rookie performances this season. Flagg’s first points came as a mid-range jumper at the start of the second half, underscoring the slow start that plagued his game.

Coach Jason Kidd remained optimistic, stating, “I thought he played well. Now, the stat line is not going to say that… As a rookie, he did fine and he’s going to learn from this game.” Flagg managed to grab 10 rebounds in his 32 minutes on the court, becoming the fifth Dallas player to record a double-double in his NBA debut.

Despite the rough debut, Flagg acknowledged the importance of moving forward. “I’m excited to keep going,” he said. “Obviously it hurts, the first loss being like that, but I’m just trying to look forward to the next one.”

The Mavericks’ offense struggled overall, scoring only eight points on the 19 possessions Flagg directed. The team will need to address these issues quickly, with their next game approaching on Friday.

As fans and analysts alike reflect on Flagg’s debut, the urgency for improvement is clear. The Mavericks face the challenge of integrating their new star into a cohesive unit that can compete effectively in the league. All eyes will be on Flagg as he prepares for his second chance to shine.