A year after losing Luka Dončić, the Mavs have brighter days ahead because of Cooper Flagg

HOUSTON — A flummoxed Cooper Flagg was the first Maverick to emerge from the tunnel at halftime, using his right hand to slap against his thigh, visibly frustrated with how his team had turned a one-point game into an eight-point deficit in five minutes.

That the 19-year-old was leading the procession into the Dallas locker room was not lost on the occasion, nor was it out of the ordinary. Leadership and poise are two of the most common words associated with the No. 1 pick when his older, more experienced teammates are asked to describe Flagg. His broad shoulders and body language being the telltale signs of the Mavericks’ mood are no surprise halfway through his rookie season.

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But the sudden presence of everything else — the burning sense of urgency to win, the rapidly developing awareness of momentum, and more profoundly, what’s expected of him — is why Dallas’ newfound direction under Flagg instills hope.

“I feel confident,” Flagg said following his 34-point, 12-rebound, 5-assist performance in a 111-107 loss to Houston, which is fourth in the West. “Getting to my spots, making some shots. When I play with confidence and a downhill mentality, it’s really good for our team. The guys are pushing me to be aggressive, and I’m trying to do what’s best for the team.”

A year ago, the Mavericks traded Luka Dončić to the Lakers in the middle of the night, undoubtedly the most shocking transaction in NBA history. The foregoing of everything Dončić’ brought to the table — his gravity, otherworldly offensive arsenal and his ability to raise the ceiling of a franchise — ushered in a new era of uncertainty for a Dallas team that was on the cusp of a title less than eight months prior. Anthony Davis, the central returning piece, was immediately thrust into then-general manager Nico Harrison’s grand plans of contention.

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But an extended trip down revisionist lane serves no good purpose. The Mavericks were never able to manifest their plans of a championship triumvirate; Kyrie Irving, offseason addition Klay Thompson and Davis have yet to play a game together. The…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/a-year-after-losing-luka-doncic-the-mavs-have-brighter-days-ahead-because-of-cooper-flagg-071801774.html

Author : Kelly Iko

Publish date : 2026-02-01 07:18:00

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