Overview

• Flagg posted 10 points, six rebounds, three assists and a block in 14 minutes as Dallas beat Oklahoma City 106-89 in its preseason opener.
• Jason Kidd lauded the rookie’s defense, playmaking and scoring after an early weak-side block and a quick scoring burst that included two threes.
• Flagg started alongside Russell, Klay Thompson, Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II in a group reported as a likely regular-season starting five.
• The Mavericks limited starters to the first half as part of a managed preseason plan, while the Thunder rested all of their top players, including MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
• Flagg credited Russell as a key mentor; Russell logged five assists in the start, and Kidd said Caleb Martin and Dennis Smith Jr. are nearing returns, with Daniel Gafford progressing and Dante Exum still out.