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Tim MacMahon
DALLAS — First-year player Cooper Flagg received the outlet pass as he neared the center line, bounced the ball once, took a few extended steps, and elevated for a thunderous slam dunk, plus the foul.
The successful play over Sandro Mamukelashvili of the Toronto Raptors generated loud cheers from the spectators at the American Airlines Center, a stark contrast to the scattered jeers heard during the Dallas Mavericks’ winless 0-2 start. It was the key moment of a noteworthy all-around showing in the initial NBA victory for Flagg, the top overall draft choice who concluded Sunday night’s contest with 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.
“The supporters attended the first three games, and I felt this evening was truly the first occasion we provided them with something to be thrilled about and stand up for,” Flagg commented following the 139-129 victory over the Raptors.
The Mavs emerged from their early-season offensive struggles with seven Dallas players attaining double-digit scoring figures, spearheaded by 25 points from power forward Anthony Davis and 24 points from guard D’Angelo Russell, who also contributed a team-leading six assists while prospering as the sixth man just one game after being benched for the entire second half due to a coaching decision.
However, the primary attention, as it frequently will this season, centered on Flagg. According to ESPN Stats & Information research, at 18 years and 309 days of age, Flagg became the fifth-youngest player in NBA history to tally a minimum of 20 points in a game, only surpassed by Jermaine O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady, and LeBron James. Flagg matched Bryant as the sole players to record a minimum of 20 points without committing any turnovers in a game prior to their 19th birthday.
Flagg’s presence was felt throughout the 26-9 scoring surge in the third quarter, a span in which Dallas transformed a seven-point deficit into a lead of more than ten points. He recorded seven points and three assists during the run, capping it off with the electrifying dunk, which motivated teammates to rise from their seats to celebrate.
“When he energizes the crowd like that, our team thrives on it,” stated Russell, who assisted Flagg on the dunk. “Everyone hopes for him to excel. So when he performs at that level, it spreads to others.”
Dallas center Dereck Lively II, who initiated the fast break with a defensive rebound and an outlet pass, added: “The instant he launched, I knew it would be incredible. He is bringing his energy, elevating above the rim. The entire audience enjoys it. It invigorates us.”
After commencing the game ranked last in the league in offensive effectiveness, the Mavs identified the necessary strategy for optimal offensive performance while star guard Kyrie Irving recuperates from the torn ACL sustained in March. Dallas played with pace and assertiveness, generating 25 fast-break points and 70 points in the paint, while converting 29 of 39 free throw attempts.
“It feels fantastic. I’m delighted,” Flagg remarked. “We aim to progress from tonight, utilizing it as a foundation. This team must persist in developing and improving.”
