Cooper Flagg goes wild in his Mavericks debut and steals the spotlight from Anthony Davis

Cooper Flagg officially debuted with the Dallas Mavericks, and he did not disappoint. From the opening tip, the young rookie showed why his name has generated so much excitement both inside and outside the NBA.

Jason Kidd didn’t hesitate to include him in the starting lineup alongside Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, D’Angelo Russell, and Dereck Lively II. A decision that made clear the level of confidence the coach has in his young prodigy.

Cooper Flagg shines in his Mavericks debut and sends a warning to the NBA

The Dickies Arena erupted as soon as Cooper Flagg delivered his first big defensive play, a spectacular block that led to a fast break finished by Anthony Davis.

Although the rookie didn’t score in the first quarter, he left his mark with relentless intensity. Grabbing three rebounds, dishing two assists, and blocking a shot in just six minutes.

His energy proved contagious, setting the tone for a performance that only grew stronger as the game went on.

Cooper Flagg block on one end, D-Lo to AD oop on the other.pic.twitter.com/V7Yqn2k5VW

— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) October 7, 2025

Cooper Flagg finds his rhythm and confirms his potential

The second quarter was where Cooper Flagg revealed the other side of his talent. After a quiet start, the former Duke standout drilled two straight three-pointers that brought the crowd to its feet.

His offensive confidence was evident, and his chemistry with Anthony Davis became one of the most promising storylines of the night.

By halftime, Cooper Flagg had tallied 10 points, six rebounds, three assists. And one block in 14 minutes, shooting an efficient 50% from the field and showing sharp accuracy from beyond the arc.

Beyond the numbers, his presence disrupted the Thunder’s rhythm and injected a defensive spark the Mavericks had been missing last season.

A debut that promises a revolution

Cooper Flagg first game sent a clear message. Dallas has found a player capable of changing games without needing to dominate the ball.

His versatility, maturity, and competitive mindset position him as a cornerstone in the Mavericks rebuilding efforts.

If this debut is any indication of what’s to come, Cooper Flagg may not just be a rising star. He could mark the beginning of a new era in Dallas.