Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, made his highly anticipated debut for the Dallas Mavericks in a 125-92 season-opening loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Despite recording a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, Flagg was critical of his performance, describing it as ‘not great’ and acknowledging the need for improvement after a challenging start to his NBA career.
The game unfolded on Wednesday night at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, where the Spurs dominated from the outset. Victor Wembanyama, the top pick from 2023, led the charge with a stellar 40-point, 15-rebound performance, while Stephon Castle added 22 points and six assists. The Mavericks struggled offensively, with Flagg going scoreless in the first half and finishing 4-of-13 from the field, alongside three turnovers and no assists in 32 minutes of play.
Flagg’s debut was marked by high expectations, as he started at point guard—a position he had never played before joining the Mavericks. On the first possession, he attempted a highlight-reel alley-oop from Anthony Davis but missed the dunk, setting the tone for a night of missed opportunities. The 18-year-old rookie admitted to feeling the pressure of the national spotlight and the hype surrounding his matchup with Wembanyama, which contributed to his slow start.
In the second half, Flagg showed signs of aggression, scoring all his points in the third quarter, including a midrange jumper for his first NBA basket. However, the Spurs outscored the Mavericks 33-21 in that period, extending their lead. Flagg’s plus-minus of -29 was the worst on the team, reflecting the struggles of Dallas’ new-look offense, which sputtered with only eight points on the 19 possessions he initiated.
Teammates and coaches offered support in the aftermath. Anthony Davis, who scored a team-high 22 points, attributed Flagg’s performance to typical rookie jitters and expressed confidence in his growth. Head coach Jason Kidd emphasized that Flagg played within himself and showed poise, noting that the stat line didn’t tell the whole story and that the team would learn from the loss.
Opposing players also weighed in, with Stephon Castle praising Flagg’s composure despite the shooting struggles. Meanwhile, Dylan Harper, the No. 2 pick in the draft, had a more impressive debut off the bench with 15 points, highlighting the competitive landscape Flagg now faces. The game underscored the Mavericks’ ongoing adjustment period following Luka Dončić’s departure, with Flagg positioned as a cornerstone for the franchise’s future.
Looking ahead, Flagg and the Mavericks aim to bounce back in their next game against the Washington Wizards on Friday. With 81 games remaining in the season, the focus is on building chemistry, refining their offensive flow, and helping Flagg adapt to the NBA’s demands. The debut, while disappointing, serves as a learning experience in what promises to be a pivotal rookie campaign for the highly touted prospect.