The Dallas Mavericks pulled out a gritty 116-114 overtime win over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night, and once again, it was rookie sensation Cooper Flagg who stole the spotlight. The 19-year-old forward continues to play beyond his years, putting up 23 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists in a performance that was equal parts poised and fearless.
Flagg’s energy was palpable all night, but it was a third-quarter dunk that had the arena - and the internet - buzzing. After slamming one home in transition, Flagg hung on the rim and added a bold flourish, grabbing his crotch in a celebration that drew plenty of attention on social media. Love it or hate it, it’s clear the rookie isn’t afraid to show some swagger.
The celebration sparked a flood of reactions online. Some fans poked fun, others praised the confidence, and a few pointed out that this wasn’t anything new for Flagg - he’d been doing that same move back in his Duke days. For those who’ve followed his journey from high school to college to the pros, this kind of fire is just part of the package.
But while the highlight reel moment made headlines, it was Flagg’s overall approach that stood out. The game turned physical in the second half, with the refs letting a lot go.
That suited Flagg just fine. He embraced the contact, leaned into the physicality, and turned it into fuel - a throwback to the way he played in college, where he thrived in hard-nosed, high-pressure situations.
After the game, Flagg spoke courtside about the intensity of the matchup and the value of learning through these close battles.
“You pretty much summed it up right there,” Flagg said when asked about the ‘no blood, no foul’ mentality. “That’s how we want it to be.
We don’t want the refs deciding games. So, I thought I did a good job.
Come down the stretch, you gotta get to your spots and make shots.”
It’s a mature take from a player still getting his feet wet in the league, but that’s been the story with Flagg all season. He plays with a veteran’s calm and a rookie’s hunger - a rare combo.
When asked about what these tight games are teaching him, Flagg didn’t hesitate: “I am learning a lot. You got to be confident in these moments and you learn a lot about your team and what you are made of.”
That mindset is paying off. Through the early part of the season, Flagg is averaging 18.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 47.8% from the field. He’s not just putting up numbers - he’s doing it with consistency, composure, and a competitive edge that’s making him a frontrunner in the Rookie of the Year race.
The Mavericks have found something special in Flagg. He’s not just showing flashes - he’s delivering in big moments, bringing edge and energy to a team with playoff aspirations. And if Thursday night was any indication, he’s just getting started.