Cooper Flagg is starting to turn promise into production - and Tuesday night in Dallas, he delivered the kind of performance that makes you pause and say, "Okay, this kid’s arriving." In the Mavericks’ thrilling 131-130 win over the defending champion Denver Nuggets, Flagg didn’t just show up - he nearly dropped a triple-double on one of the league’s most formidable teams.
Let’s talk numbers: 33 points, nine rebounds, nine assists, a steal, and a block in 40 minutes. He shot a sizzling 14-of-21 from the field and knocked down 4-of-6 from deep.
That’s not just efficient - that’s elite. And it wasn’t just the box score that stood out.
Flagg looked in control, confident, and most importantly, impactful on both ends of the floor.
For a rookie who started the season slow, this was a statement game. Flagg was the engine behind a Mavericks team that came out hot and held off Denver’s counterpunches. Dallas raced out to a 41-27 lead in the first quarter, and while the Nuggets clawed back through the middle frames, the Mavericks kept their composure and made the right plays down the stretch.
That poise showed up in the details. Dallas won the turnover battle, giving it away just 11 times compared to Denver’s 15.
They also dominated inside, racking up 66 points in the paint - a physical, aggressive approach that paid off in a one-point game. That margin?
It matters. Every possession counted, and Dallas found ways to win the gritty moments.
Flagg had help, too. Anthony Davis looked every bit the All-NBA veteran, putting up 31 points on 12-of-19 shooting, grabbing nine boards, dishing four assists, and swiping three steals. He was steady, efficient, and clutch - a perfect complement to Flagg’s breakout night.
Cooper Flagg and Anthony Davis combined for 64 points as they lead the Mavs to a THRILLING win against the Nuggets 🤠
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 24, 2025
Coop:
33 points 14-of-21 FG
9 rebounds 4-of-6 3PT
9 assists
AD:
31 points 12-of-19 FG
9 rebounds 6-of-6 FT
4 assists
3 steals pic.twitter.com/apcq1og9Lu
Naji Marshall chipped in with 15 points and four rebounds, Ryan Nembhard added 11 points and seven assists, and Jaden Hardy gave them a spark with 10 points off the bench. Five players in double figures, ball movement humming, and a balanced attack that kept Denver guessing.
With the win, the Mavericks move to 12-19 on the season, holding onto the 11th spot in the Western Conference. They’ve got a slim lead over the Jazz and Pelicans, and they’re within striking distance of the Trail Blazers and Grizzlies. It’s a packed middle in the West, and every win - especially against a team like Denver - carries weight.
Next up? A holiday showdown on the road against the Golden State Warriors.
Tipoff is set for 5 p.m. ET on Christmas Day.
If Flagg keeps playing like this, Santa might not be the only one delivering magic in the Bay.