Cooper Flagg’s NBA Debut Falls Flat in Spurs’ 125-92 Blowout

UPDATE: In a disappointing curtain-raiser, Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, struggled in his debut for the Dallas Mavericks, falling to the San Antonio Spurs with a score of 125-92 on October 25, 2023. Flagg’s performance left fans and analysts questioning his readiness as he scored just 10 points on 4-of-13 shooting at the American Airlines Center.

Flagg’s debut began with high expectations but quickly turned sour. On his first offensive possession, he attempted a highlight lob from Anthony Davis, only to miss the dunk and land awkwardly. The moment set the tone for a game where Flagg went scoreless in the first half, committing three turnovers without an assist. “Not great,” Flagg commented on his performance. “Obviously, didn’t play incredibly well, but we’ve got to move past it.”

The game was dominated by Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs’ own No. 1 pick, who exploded for 40 points, showcasing the talent Flagg will need to compete against. Spurs guard Stephon Castle, who guarded Flagg, noted, “He seemed a lot more poised than I thought he would be,” indicating that despite his struggles, Flagg showed potential.

The Mavericks’ offense sputtered throughout the game, with Flagg playing as point guard—a position he had never filled before joining the team. The Mavs only scored eight points on the 19 possessions he led up the floor, highlighting the team’s struggles. “We just got a little stagnant,” Flagg admitted, emphasizing the need for improvement as they look ahead to their next game against the Washington Wizards on Friday.

Despite the disappointing stats, Flagg did manage to secure 10 rebounds, becoming the fifth Dallas player to record a double-double in his NBA debut. His coach, Jason Kidd, expressed support, stating, “I thought he played well… as a rookie, he did fine and he’s going to learn from this game.”

Looking ahead, the Mavericks must regroup quickly as they prepare for their next matchup. Flagg remains optimistic, stating, “I’m excited to keep going. Obviously, it hurts, but I’m just trying to look forward to the next one.” Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how Flagg rebounds from this tough opening night.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the Mavericks aim to bounce back and Flagg seeks to find his footing in the league.