Kyrie Irving Has Strong Words for Cooper Flagg After First Game

The Dallas Mavericks and No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg tipped off their 2025 NBA Summer League campaign in Las Vegas on Thursday night with a primetime matchup against Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Dallas escaped with a thrilling 87-85 victory after James missed a potential game-winning three-pointer in the final seconds.

While Flagg didn’t have the most efficient shooting night—going just 5-for-21 from the field—he showcased his versatility and aggressiveness, which is an encouraging sign for the 18-year-old rookie.

In 32 minutes of action, Flagg recorded 10 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block. Ryan Nembhard, the younger brother of Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard, led all Mavericks scorers with 21 points.

Following the game, Flagg’s Mavericks teammate and fellow Duke alum Kyrie Irving—who was sitting courtside—had high praise for Flagg’s debut, joining several others in reacting to Dallas’ Summer League performance.

"Hi! How was it watching Cooper tonight?" Irving was asked.

"It was incredible—a great team win, what can I say?" Irving replied. "We put our best foot forward. Coop got his first game out of the way, and a lot of the guys got the jitters out. We’re looking forward to Game 2 coming up soon."