Mavericks Go 0-3, But Cooper Flagg Shines Bright Amid the Struggles
It was a winless week for the Dallas Mavericks, dropping games to Minnesota, Charlotte, and Houston. On paper, that 0-3 stretch doesn’t look great-and in the standings, they’re still sitting 12th in the West.
But the story of the week wasn’t about the losses. It was about a rookie who’s starting to look like a future star.
Let’s break it down.
A Rough Week, But Not Without Fight
Dallas opened the week with a tough 118-105 loss to the Timberwolves at home, followed by a nail-biter against Charlotte that ended 123-121 in the Hornets’ favor. Then came a gritty road game in Houston, where the Mavs fell just short again, 111-107.
Three losses, yes-but not all losses are created equal. Dallas didn’t roll over.
They competed, especially in the last two games, and showed signs of life even in defeat. And that’s largely thanks to Cooper Flagg.
The rookie phenom averaged 33 points per game over the week and delivered back-to-back performances that had fans glued to their screens. Against Charlotte, Flagg poured in 49 points and grabbed 10 boards in a showdown with his former college roommate, Kon Knueppel.
Knueppel answered with eight threes and the game-winning free throws, but the duel was electric-two young stars trading haymakers until the final buzzer. If you missed it, do yourself a favor and catch the highlights.
Against Houston, Flagg followed it up with 34 points and 12 rebounds. Dallas nearly pulled off a 3-1 season series win over the Rockets, but again, late-game execution proved to be their Achilles’ heel. That’s been a theme lately-close games, competitive spirit, but just not enough polish down the stretch.
The loss to Minnesota? Let’s just say it lacked the drama and intensity of the others. Not much to take from that one.
Looking ahead, the Mavericks have a tough matchup in Boston tonight and a home-and-home set with the Spurs this weekend. If they can bring the same energy they showed in Houston and Charlotte, there’s reason to believe they’ll be in the mix.
Straight A’s: Cooper Flagg
Let’s talk about the kid.
Cooper Flagg has taken a leap-and it’s not subtle. Early in the season, he was figuring things out.
Through his first 15 games, he averaged 15.5 points on 45.5% shooting while trying to run the offense from the point guard spot. That’s a tall order for any rookie, let alone one fresh out of high school.
But over the last 30 games, the numbers have jumped: 21.9 points per game on nearly 50% shooting. The game has slowed down for him, and it shows. His feel, his poise, his ability to take over-it's all clicking.
And it’s not just the scoring. Flagg’s defense was his calling card coming into the league, and he’s living up to the billing.
Dallas still ranks in the top 10 in defensive rating despite their record, and Flagg is a big reason why. He’s the anchor, the communicator, the guy who covers ground and makes plays on both ends.
Here’s the kicker: he’s doing all this on a rookie contract. That’s a massive asset for any franchise.
Having a player this good, this early, on a cost-controlled deal gives the Mavericks a window to build around him-fast. But they’ve got to get it right.
Currently Failing: Trade Value
The trade deadline is looming-Thursday, February 5-and the Mavericks have some tough decisions to make.
According to reports, Dallas is open for business. The front office is working the phones, but the market isn’t exactly beating down their door. Veterans like Daniel Gafford, Anthony Davis, and Klay Thompson haven’t boosted their value with standout seasons, and the team’s most intriguing trade chip, Naji Marshall, isn’t drawing the kind of offers Dallas was hoping for.
It’s a tough spot. The Mavericks are a second apron team without a clear path to contention.
That’s a dangerous combo. If they don’t find a way to move off some salary and pick up future assets, they risk wasting the early years of Flagg’s rookie deal.
This isn’t just about this season-it’s about setting the table for the next few. If Dallas stands pat at the deadline, it’ll mark a second straight year of missed opportunities. And with Flagg already showing he’s ready for more, the clock is ticking.
Extra Credit: Jason Kidd Shows Some Fire
Jason Kidd isn’t exactly known for his emotional outbursts. In fact, he’s usually the opposite-stoic, measured, sometimes to a fault. But that changed this week.
After taking heat for playing Flagg at point guard earlier in the season, Kidd fired back in a press conference with a passionate defense of his decision-making. And yeah, he dropped a line that’s already making the rounds: “I know what the f** I’m doing.”*
It was a rare glimpse of fire from the head coach-and honestly, it was welcome. This team is young, inconsistent, and in need of direction.
Seeing Kidd step up and show some emotion, especially in defense of his rookie, sends a message. He’s invested.
He’s backing his guys. And he’s not afraid to push back when the criticism comes.
That kind of leadership matters in a locker room. Whether or not you agree with every rotation or scheme, Kidd showing this side of himself is a net positive for a team trying to find its identity.
Final Grade: B-
Yes, it was an 0-3 week. But there’s more to the story than the record. Cooper Flagg continues to grow into a franchise cornerstone, the team is playing with heart, and there’s a sense that something is building-even if the wins haven’t come yet.
The trade deadline looms large. What Dallas does (or doesn’t do) over the next few days could shape the next phase of their rebuild. But if Flagg keeps trending the way he is, the Mavericks have a foundation worth building on.
Now it’s up to the front office to match that momentum.