UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown on July 15, 2025, Cooper Flagg led the Dallas Mavericks to a stunning 118-115 comeback victory over the New Orleans Pelicans at the American Airlines Center. Flagg scored a career-high 29 points, with an impressive 12 points in the fourth quarter, showcasing his clutch performance as the Mavs rallied from a 15-point deficit.
This victory marks a significant turnaround for the Mavs, who have struggled recently with a 5-12 record. Flagg’s late-game heroics included scoring or assisting on five of the Mavs’ final eight possessions, proving his value in critical moments. After the game, Flagg exchanged hugs with his former high school teammate, Derik Queen, who put up a valiant effort with 20 points, 7 rebounds, and a career-high 11 assists.
Flagg’s performance was crucial as he responded to a challenge from Mavs coach Jason Kidd to attack the paint. Flagg dominated in the second half, scoring 21 points on 8-of-9 shooting, primarily from inside. “I was settling too much for jump shots,” Flagg admitted. “You got to put more pressure on the defense.” His remarkable ability to finish at the rim made him just the second-youngest player to score 20 points in the paint in an NBA game.
Flagg’s dominance in clutch situations is noteworthy; he is currently tied for sixth in the league with 31 points during the final five minutes of close games. Coach Kidd praised Flagg’s maturity, stating, “Clutch situations, he’s not afraid. For an 18-year-old, that’s pretty special.”
Meanwhile, Queen’s performance, although overshadowed by Flagg’s late surge, was impressive. He airballed a potential game-tying three-pointer in the final seconds, reflecting the intense competition between the two rookies. “It’s crazy how it comes full circle,” Queen remarked about facing Flagg.
As the Mavs look to build on this momentum, all eyes will be on Flagg’s continued development and the team’s ability to close out games effectively. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the rookie’s performance will evolve in the coming matches, especially against formidable opponents.
Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling NBA season as both Flagg and Queen continue to showcase their talent on the court.
