The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 87-85 in the Summer League on July 10 in Las Vegas, but Cooper Flagg was the topic of the evening. Fans and coaches are curious to see what the Mavericks’ No. 1 overall choice will do next after a mixed bag of poor shooting and brilliant moments.
Shooting Woes on Full Display
In every way, Flagg’s stat line was eye-opening:
10 points on 5-for-21 (23.8%) shooting, including an icy 0-for-5 three-point shooting effort.
In a respectable 32 minutes, he added a solid six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block.
Flagg remained scoreless in the second half, despite his spirited opening performance, underscoring his inconsistent play at this pivotal point.
Flashes of Two‑Way Prominence
Flagg’s influence was evident even though his attacking execution was lacking:
An early steal was followed by a spectacular coast-to-coast dunk that energized the crowd.
As the Lakers struggled in their comeback, his crucial block with little over a minute remaining and his subsequent crucial assist to Ryan Nembhard clinched the victory and the final lead.
Jason Kidd, the coach of Dallas, commended Flagg’s composure, judgment, and defensive instincts:
“He’s going to have some mistakes … but his poise as an 18‑year‑old is incredible,” Kidd said.
Honest Self‑Assessment
Flagg didn’t hide behind expectations. Postgame, he described it bluntly:
“Might be one of the worst games of my life, but we got the win… Not up to my standard, but I’m going to improve.”
He emphasized the difficulty of adjusting to a new environment, teammates, and professional responsibilities—while also emphasizing the value of development.
Key Takeaways & What’s Next
- Consistency is necessary when shooting
More effort is required, especially from deep, based on his performance. Nevertheless, his three-point shooting technique improved in offseason footage. - Defensive adaptability is notable
He’s already defending the rim, forcing doubles, and switching positions at 6′ 8″ with a 7-foot wingspan. - General potential floor
Kidd gave Flagg the responsibility of starting the attack by deploying him as a small-ball point guard, showcasing his ability to handle the ball and see the court. - An optimistic outlook
He exhibits professional maturity that is uncommon for an 18-year-old by accepting responsibility for his poor shooting while rejoicing in the team’s victory.
What’s Ahead in Vegas
In forthcoming Summer League action, Dallas will play the Spurs, Hornets, and 76ers, giving Flagg additional opportunities to improve his efficiency, hone his rhythm, and connect with teammates.
Final Take
Although Cooper Flagg’s Summer League debut was far from ideal, it provided a realistic assessment of his potential. His defensive instincts, leadership on the court, and clutch effect were evident despite his poor shot. This is “what he does,” as Kidd put it: creating powerful plays despite poor performances.
Flagg, who is eighteen, isn’t expected to do everything just yet. His combination of athleticism, intelligence, and competitiveness might be a pillar of Dallas’ future with time, consistency, and more exposure.
His Vegas career is only getting started, and if his debut showed us anything, it’s that even when the numbers don’t add up, the promise is solid.