Cooper Flagg struggles in debut despite leading Mavericks to victory
- Cooper Flagg made his NBA Summer League debut with the Dallas Mavericks against the Los Angeles Lakers.
- Despite shooting 5-for-21, Flagg contributed significantly to the game's overall outcome, finishing with 10 points and several key plays.
- His debut has generated excitement about his future potential in the league, despite personal criticisms of his performance.
On July 10, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Cooper Flagg made his NBA Summer League debut with the Dallas Mavericks against the Los Angeles Lakers, featuring Bronny James. Despite facing shooting difficulties, where he finished with 10 points on 5-for-21 shooting, including 0-for-5 from three-point range, he contributed significantly to his team's 87-85 victory. Flagg recorded six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block in 32 minutes of play. Although he described his performance as 'one of the worst games of my life,' he demonstrated potential and drew praise from both coaches and opponents, highlighting his capacity to impact the game beyond scoring. The game also served as a notable matchup between Flagg, the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and Bronny James, who is seeking to prove himself in his rookie season. The excitement surrounding Flagg was palpable, as fans eagerly filled the Thomas and Mack Center to watch the emerging star. There were mixed reviews about his performance, showcasing not only his struggles but also his ability to lead and make critical plays in high-pressure moments. Coaches emphasized their confidence in Flagg and encouraged him to be aggressive, providing an optimistic outlook for his future in the league as he continues to adapt to the professional basketball environment.