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Cooper Flagg’s 22 and And-1 Dunk Propel Mavericks Past Raptors for First Win

Dallas is leaning on the 18-year-old as a lead creator during Kyrie Irving’s ACL rehab.

Overview

  • Dallas beat Toronto 139-129 to move to 1-2, with Flagg posting 22 points, four rebounds and four assists in 29 minutes on 8-of-14 shooting.
  • Flagg keyed a 13-0 third-quarter surge and punctuated it by finishing an and-1 poster over Sandro Mamukelashvili, flipping a halftime deficit into a double-digit lead.
  • According to ESPN Research, at 18 years and 309 days, he became the fifth-youngest to score 20+ in an NBA game and joined Kobe Bryant as the only under-19 players with 20 points and no turnovers since 1977-78.
  • Head coach Jason Kidd said Flagg is still building rapport with NBA officials and opponents, emphasizing patience as the rookie adjusts to the league.
  • An assistant coach told ESPN’s Tim MacMahon that a season around 14 points, seven rebounds and six assists would be a very good rookie baseline, as Flagg continues starting in a primary ball-handling role.