Cooper Flagg Goes Toe-to-Toe with Jokić, Drops 33 in Statement Win Over Nuggets
If there was any lingering doubt about Cooper Flagg’s NBA readiness, Tuesday night in Dallas should put that to rest. The Mavericks’ rookie sensation didn’t just show up against Nikola Jokić and the defending champs - he went bucket for bucket with the three-time MVP and helped deliver one of the most thrilling wins of the season.
Flagg poured in 33 points in a 131-130 nail-biter over the Nuggets, nearly notching a triple-double in the process. He finished just one rebound and one assist shy of joining an exclusive club of Mavericks rookies - Luka Dončić, Dennis Smith Jr., and current head coach Jason Kidd - who’ve recorded a triple-double in their first year. That’s some serious company for the 2025 No. 1 pick.
The moment wasn’t too big for Flagg, and neither was the matchup. Jokić did his part with 29 points and 14 assists, but Flagg matched his impact with a versatile, confident performance that had the home crowd buzzing and the Nuggets scrambling.
A First-Half Clinic
Flagg wasted no time making his presence felt. He came out firing with 14 points in the first quarter - tying his highest-scoring quarter this season - and racked up 22 by halftime on a blistering 90 percent shooting clip.
That’s not just hot; that’s unconscious. Whether he was pulling up in transition, attacking closeouts, or threading passes to open teammates, Flagg looked fully in control.
And for a guy who had been struggling from beyond the arc - shooting just 16.2 percent from deep over his previous 14 games - the breakout was especially noteworthy. He knocked down four triples on the night, his most in a game this season. That’s the kind of shooting leap that can open up the rest of his offensive game and force defenses to start respecting him at all three levels.
Finishing Strong and Playing Smart
The game came down to the wire, and Flagg didn’t fade. He continued to make plays late, helping the Mavericks hold off a Denver team that’s made a habit of closing strong. Peyton Watson had a look at a game-winner as time expired, but it missed - and Dallas walked away with a much-needed win in what’s been a tough season record-wise.
Still, there’s a clear trend developing. The Mavericks are 8-5 in games where Flagg scores 20 or more, despite sitting at 12-19 overall.
That’s not a coincidence. When Flagg is aggressive and efficient, Dallas becomes a different team - more dynamic, more balanced, and far more dangerous.
A Budding Duo with Anthony Davis
Tuesday also marked a milestone for the Mavericks’ new-look core. Anthony Davis notched his second straight 30-point game, and for the first time, he and Flagg both hit the 30-point mark in the same contest. Together, they shot a combined 65 percent from the field, showcasing the kind of inside-out synergy that could become a real problem for opposing defenses.
Flagg’s ability to coexist - and thrive - alongside a veteran star like Davis is a promising sign for Dallas’ future. He’s not just putting up numbers in a vacuum; he’s learning how to impact winning basketball, play off his teammates, and rise to the moment when it matters most.
Rookie of the Year Momentum
It’s no surprise Flagg is currently the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year. Performances like this - going toe-to-toe with one of the game’s greats and coming out on top - are exactly the kind of moments that build a compelling case. He’s not just putting up stats; he’s doing it in big games, against elite competition, and in ways that elevate his team.
For Mavericks fans still adjusting to life after Luka Dončić, Flagg’s emergence offers a real reason for optimism. The flashes are turning into full-on performances, and the confidence is growing by the game. Tuesday night wasn’t just another step forward - it was a statement.
Cooper Flagg isn’t just finding his rhythm. He’s starting to take over.