Cooper Flagg Shines in NBA Summer League: Mavericks Rookie Makes Powerful Professional Debut

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Cooper Flagg made his professional basketball debut on Thursday night during the NBA Summer League and helped his team, the Dallas Mavericks, secure an 87-85 victory over Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers.

In the game, Flagg scored 10 points but struggled with his shooting, going 5-for-21 and missing all five of his 3-point attempts. He also contributed with six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and a block. Despite having an off night, he showcased moments of brilliance, including a crucial block late in the game that helped the Mavericks hold onto their lead.

“It was tough to find my rhythm. It’s a very different environment from college,” Flagg said after the game. He mentioned that the coaching staff encouraged him to experiment and be aggressive, which was a new approach for him. “I’d say that might be one of the worst games of my life, but what matters is the win,” he added with a smile.

When Flagg arrived at UNLV’s Thomas and Mack Center, he looked composed, wearing Mavericks gear and New Balance shoes. Once on the court, he admitted to feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. “It’s a dream come true,” he noted, trying to soak in the moment.

The crowd was buzzing with energy, especially when Flagg was introduced as a starter. He had his ups and downs, such as missing his first two shots and committing a foul shortly after tip-off. The excitement ramped up when Flagg faced off against fellow rising star Bronny James, who quickly scored against him.

At one point early in the second quarter, Flagg almost brought the house down with a fierce spin move aimed at a slam dunk over 7-foot Christian Koloko, but the ball bounced off the rim. Still, the crowd cheered for his effort.

Interestingly, this Summer League game had a unique atmosphere, attracting both Mavericks and Lakers fans. One Mavericks supporter, 15-year-old Baer Epple, shared his enthusiasm, saying he had been following Flagg since his high school days. “I hope he does well. I don’t want him to be a bust,” Epple said, reflecting the appropriate blend of excitement and caution that many fans feel.

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd focused on effort and teamwork during the game. He wanted to see how his players responded to mistakes, emphasizing, “No one’s going to play a perfect game.” Speaking about Flagg, he said, “We’re all excited to see him on the floor.”

Flagg’s journey in the NBA is just beginning, and it’s a promising one. The hype surrounding him is significant, especially considering he was the No. 1 overall pick last month. According to recent surveys, rookie players who show early signs of promise often go on to have successful careers, underscoring the potential Flagg has.

While the road ahead may be challenging, both Flagg and his supporters are eager to watch how his skills develop in the coming seasons. For now, the focus is on building experience and continuing to grow in this exciting new chapter of his basketball career.

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