Cooper Flagg dazzles in historic outing as Mavericks defeat Nuggets again
The Dallas Mavericks have once again showcased their ability to rise to the occasion, defeating the Denver Nuggets for the second time this season. This surprising trend continues as the Mavericks find themselves 2-0 against the Nuggets while struggling with a 1-2 record against the New Orleans Pelicans. Such inconsistencies make the Mavericks a perplexing team to decipher.
Flagg’s Stellar Performance
Star rookie Cooper Flagg delivered a performance for the ages, scoring 33 points, grabbing 9 rebounds, and dishing out 9 assists. This remarkable stat line makes him only the second teenager in NBA history to achieve such numbers, with the first being none other than Luka Doncic. Flagg’s shooting efficiency was equally impressive, hitting 14 of 21 attempts from the field and connecting on 4 of 6 from beyond the arc.
In two games against the Nuggets this season, Flagg’s averages have been nothing short of phenomenal, sitting at 28.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. His success against this particular opponent has not gone unnoticed, especially by three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.
Jokic Acknowledges Flagg’s Maturity
“He was definitely a hot hand out there,” Jokic remarked after the game, highlighting Flagg’s impact on the court. “But just, I’m going to say the poise that he played with… He doesn’t feel like he’s so young out there. He seems like he played meaningful games and he was winning before. That’s my opinion. He looked really mature out there.”
Jokic himself had a strong outing, contributing 29 points, 14 assists, and 7 rebounds while shooting 12 for 22 from the field. However, he faced challenges, committing four turnovers and four fouls as the Mavericks targeted him defensively throughout the game.
Clutch Moments and Missed Opportunities
As the game drew to a close, the pressure mounted on Jokic. With the ball in his hands, he faced a triple-team in the paint. In a moment that could have shifted the game’s outcome, Jokic managed to pass to Peyton Watson, whose wide-open corner three-pointer nearly clinched it, only to rim out.
As the Mavericks continue to defy expectations with their performances, the emergence of Cooper Flagg stands out as a beacon of promise for the franchise. The future looks bright as Dallas aims to maintain this momentum moving forward.
