Freshman player Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks departed Wednesday’s game against the Denver Nuggets due to a left ankle sprain.
According to Mavericks’ leader Jason Kidd, Flagg’s left foot was first injured in Monday’s win over the Brooklyn Nets, and then he stumbled on it again with 6:01 left in the second period of the game against the Nuggets. Flagg clutched his ankle briefly, visibly discomforted.
Flagg did make an appearance later in the second quarter, but his movements indicated clear difficulty from the ailment. He was absent from play in the latter half and did not rejoin his teammates on the sideline.
“He stepped on an opposing player’s foot, and I believe he also rolled his ankle in the previous match,” Kidd explained to journalists post-game. “Therefore, the decision was made to keep him out for the remainder of the contest.”
Additionally, Mavericks’ big man Daniel Gafford exited due to an ankle problem. The Nuggets defeated the Mavs with a final score of 118-109.
Flagg has performed commendably, fulfilling the expectations associated with being the top selection in the NBA Draft, with averages of 19.1 points, 6.4 boards, and 4.3 dimes. Even with the Mavericks’ current difficulties, he is considered the frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year honor for the current season.
