Cooper Flagg Shines with Versatile Skills in Preseason Debut
Cooper Flagg, the top draft pick, showcased his all-around skills during his NBA preseason debut on October 6, 2025. Playing for the Dallas Mavericks, Flagg contributed significantly to the team’s 106-89 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.
Flagg’s Impressive Debut Performance
At just 18 years old, Flagg’s versatility on the court was clear. He played 14 minutes, scoring 10 points while also gathering 6 rebounds, delivering 3 assists, and blocking 1 shot. His scoring burst came in just over two minutes during the second quarter.
Scoring Highlights
- Flagg started his scoring with a contested layup, driving coast to coast.
- He followed up with a 3-pointer as the pick-and-roll ball handler.
- He added two free throws after a foul and sunk another 3-pointer off the dribble.
He finished the night shooting 3-of-6 from the field and 2-of-3 from beyond the arc, all while maintaining a clean stat line without turnovers. Flagg emphasized simplicity in his game, stating, “Just taking whatever the defense gives me.”
Defensive Impact
Flagg’s defensive presence was notable from the start. Just 85 seconds into the game, he made a notable block against Isaiah Joe, igniting a fast-break opportunity that was finished with a dunk by Anthony Davis. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd highlighted Flagg’s well-rounded skill set: “You got to see the defensive side, you got to see the playmaking and then the scoring. He was really, really good.”
Looking Ahead
The Oklahoma City Thunder, the defending champions, opted not to field any of their regular starters for this preseason matchup, having played the Charlotte Hornets the night before in Charleston, South Carolina. Nonetheless, Flagg’s strong performance indicates a promising future as he continues to develop his game in the NBA.
