Cooper Flagg’s NBA journey is already packed with milestones, but Tuesday night’s matchup between the Mavericks and Celtics carries a little extra weight - and not just because of the standings.
Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick, is a Maine native - a rare origin story in NBA circles. And like a lot of kids from New England, he grew up a Boston Celtics fan.
So when the team he once cheered for rolls into Dallas, and he’s suiting up on the other side, it’s not just another game. It’s a full-circle moment.
But make no mistake - Flagg isn’t just here for the nostalgia. He’s been tearing through the league lately, putting together the kind of stretch that doesn’t just make noise - it rewrites the rookie record books.
After dropping a jaw-dropping 49 points on the Hornets, he followed it up with a 34-point, 12-rebound performance against the Rockets. That makes him the first teenager in NBA history to post back-to-back 30-point double-doubles.
Read that again. We’re not just talking about a hot streak - we’re witnessing a young star stepping into superstardom in real time.
Flagg’s blend of size, skill, and basketball IQ has been on full display, and he’s doing it with a calm confidence that belies his age. Whether it’s stretching the floor, attacking the rim, or anchoring the defense, he’s showing the kind of versatility that makes front offices drool and opposing coaches lose sleep.
Tuesday’s game is a big one, no doubt - not just because of the emotional ties, but because Flagg is quickly becoming the face of the Mavericks’ future. And while this will be his first time facing the Celtics as a pro, it won’t be the last.
The real spotlight moment might come on March 6, when Flagg makes his debut at TD Garden - the arena he once dreamed of playing in - this time as the opponent. That one’s already circled on the calendar, and rightfully so.
ESPN will have the broadcast, but the moment? That belongs to Flagg.
From Maine to Dallas, from Celtics fan to Mavericks franchise cornerstone, Cooper Flagg’s story is just getting started. And if the last two games are any indication, it’s going to be a wild - and historic - ride.