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Cooper Flagg the hero for Dallas Mavericks despite off-night for no.1 pick

Cooper Flagg's Summer League debut didn't go exactly to plan but he still helped the Mavericks to the win

Written by Jon Fisher
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Cooper Flagg the hero for Dallas Mavericks despite off-night for no.1 pick

Cooper Flagg described it as “one of the worst games of my life” but still emerged the hero as the number one draft pick played a key role in the Dallas Mavericks’s 87-85 win over the Los Angeles Lakers in Summer League action on Thursday night.

Flagg, taken first by the Mavs last month, was a long way from his dazzling best but conjured up the match-winning play, denying DJ Steward on an attempted layup before charging down court and finding Ryan Nembhard for the game-winning three-pointer.

Off-key Flagg says win is ‘what really matters’

It was a useful reminder of Flagg’s ability after a frustrating debut in which he went 5-of-21 from the floor and 0-of-5 from three-point range.

“The coaches have a lot of confidence in me,” Flagg said. “They were telling me they want me to experiment, try some new things. I was trying to be aggressive. That’s new for me, too.

“I would say that might be one of the worst games of my life. We got the win, so that’s what really matters to me.”

Dallas assistant Josh Broghamer, the team’s Summer League head coach, was willing to overlook the 18-year-old’s inconsistent play and preferred to focus on his moment of brilliance at the end.

“That’s what he does,” said Broghamer. “He makes winning plays, whether it’s offense or defense. I think that’s as advertised. So whether it’s the right pass or it’s a defensive possession or scoring the ball, that’s what he does.”

I am going to figure it out – Flagg

Flagg finished with 10 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals.

“Shots weren’t falling, but that’s going to happen,” Flagg said. “It’s going to be nights like that. It is somewhat new to me. I haven’t probably taken that many shots before, so that’s somewhat new. I’m going to try and figure it out. But new experience, so I’m excited to keep playing and move forward.”

Flagg did enough to convince the Lakers’ Bronny James that he is destined for stardom.

James said: “He’s great. I mean, I watched him all in college and he’s an amazing player. I have the utmost respect for him. He’s going to be something special.”

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