Cooper Flagg tests the point guard role and sparks debate
Cooper Flagg was put in charge of an unusual, tall lineup alongside Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, Klay Thompson, and PJ Washington. Jason Kidd’s move was as bold as it was risky, and the results split opinions.
Flagg played 21 minutes, scoring 11 points with a modest 3-of-12 from the field and just 1-of-6 from three-point range, though he remained perfect at the line, hitting all 6 free throws.
His performance was a rollercoaster: seven rebounds, one assist, two steals, and two blocks, but also several forced shots and questionable decisions running the offense.
COOPER FLAGG FLIES IN FOR THE JAM ‼️ pic.twitter.com/FJWQKPwfPN
— NBA (@NBA) October 14, 2025
Flagg quickly energized the crowd with a wild dunk attempt over Jusuf Nurkic in the first minutes. He didn’t convert, but made the free throws and proved his confidence is intact.
Even when his shooting didn’t fall, his defensive intensity and energy in the paint kept him in the conversation for a significant role in the official rotation.
Cooper Flagg: Between promise and pressure
At halftime, Cooper Flagg had 8 points and 5 rebounds in under 15 minutes, but his 2-of-8 shooting showed he still has a long way to go to become efficient.
The third quarter was no better: he continued to shoot boldly but with little accuracy. Jason Kidd sat him for the final quarter, likely to prevent nerves from taking over.
Cooper Flagg continues to show he has the physical tools and mindset to make an impact in the NBA, but the big question remains: is he ready to handle so much, so soon?
For the Mavericks, the experiment is just beginning. For the fans, the hype remains intact. One thing is certain: Cooper Flagg is no longer just a prospect—he’s now an enigma that Dallas must decipher quickly.
