Particle.news
Download on the App Store
8 ARTICLES
·
yesterday

Cooper Flagg Makes Mavericks Preseason Debut Against Thunder

Dallas begins evaluating his fit alongside veterans, with role and tempo adjustments in focus.

Image
Oct 6, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) looks on during the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Dickie's Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Image

Overview

  • Flagg opens his NBA preseason Monday against the defending champion Thunder in a nationally televised game on NBA TV at 8:30 p.m. ET.
  • Dallas coaches and veterans, including Klay Thompson and Dereck Lively II, have praised the rookie’s competitiveness and engagement throughout camp.
  • Flagg acknowledged early offensive growing pains, saying he has been getting sped up and needs to trust the spacing, coaching and his preparation.
  • He enters the season as a widely cited Rookie of the Year favorite but says team success will determine individual honors.
  • How the Mavericks deploy him—guard duties tested in summer league versus his forward role at Duke—remains a key decision as Kyrie Irving continues ACL rehab and Anthony Davis anchors the frontcourt.