Las Vegas — Cooper Flagg made a notable entrance into professional basketball on Thursday night, making his much-anticipated debut in the NBA Summer League. Flagg's first game was marked by an exhilarating 87-85 victory over Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers, showcasing the potential that led to his selection as the No. 1 overall pick last month.
During the game, Flagg managed to score 10 points with a shooting performance of 5-for-21, including a challenging 0-for-5 from beyond the arc. In addition to his scoring, Flagg contributed significantly with six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block. Although he faced difficulties in finding his shooting rhythm, he displayed flashes of brilliance, particularly in critical moments that helped secure the Mavericks' victory.
One of the defining moments of the game came when Flagg executed a crucial block on DJ Steward with just 1:10 left on the clock. This defensive play set the stage for teammate Ryan Nembhard, who drilled a 3-pointer on the following possession, propelling Dallas to an 87-85 lead. Flagg's performance illustrated why he was the top pick, as he demonstrated his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game.
Flagg arrived at the Thomas and Mack Center on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus at 4:17 p.m., dressed in Dallas Mavericks gear and bright white New Balance sneakers, exuding a calm demeanor as he passed through security. His fans, however, brought an electric atmosphere, cheering loudly when he was introduced as a starter for his first Summer League match. The excitement in the arena was palpable, particularly among Mavericks supporters eager to witness Flagg's debut.
In a game filled with high expectations, Flagg missed his first two shots and committed his first foul just 46 seconds in. However, the crowd erupted when he faced off against fellow star Bronny James. James scored first with a bucket over Flagg, followed by a 3-pointer that gave the Lakers an early 5-0 lead. Flagg quickly excited fans by scoring his first points with a powerful dunk, showcasing his athleticism and skill.
The atmosphere in the arena leaned heavily towards the Lakers, a typical scenario during their Summer League games. However, the presence of Mavericks fans, including 15-year-old Baer Epple, added a unique energy to the event. Epple, wearing a vintage Dirk Nowitzki jersey, expressed his admiration for Flagg, citing his journey from high school at Nokomis Regional High School in Newport, Maine, to his time at Duke. “Hopefully, he does good; that'd be pretty cool to see,” Epple remarked, sharing his hope that Flagg would not become a bust in the league.
Before the game, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd emphasized the team's focus on effort and resilience. He acknowledged the unique atmosphere of the Summer League, especially with such a large turnout. “This summer league is a little different when you have this type of turnout,” Kidd noted. He expressed his desire to see how the players respond to challenges on the court, emphasizing that no player would be perfect, but they should strive for teamwork and unselfish play. Regarding Flagg, Kidd stated, “We’re all excited. Seen enough of him on tape, so now it’s good to see him on the floor.”
As Flagg continues to develop his game and adjust to the professional level, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he builds on this promising debut in the NBA Summer League.
