Cooper Flagg Scores 51 Points In Dallas Mavericks’ 138-127 Loss To Orlando Magic

The Dallas Mavericks opened a two-game homestand starting with the Orlando Magic on Friday, but the Mavericks lost 138-127 at American Airlines Center. Dallas fell to 24-53 and has a three-game losing streak. Orlando improved to 41-36 and has a one-game winning streak.

The Mavs hosted Derek Harper Bobblehead Night, along with Hardwood Classic Night. Harper played 10 seasons with the team from 1983 to 1993. He is the Mavs’ all-time leader in assists and steals, a two-time All-NBA Defensive Team selection, and widely considered one of the best players to have never been selected to an NBA All-Star Game.

In Case You Missed It

The Dallas Mavericks suffered a blowout loss to the Milwaukee Bucks 123-99 at Fiserv Forum on Tuesday. Cooper Flagg led the Mavericks with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists. Ryan Rollins led the Bucks with 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists.

Alex Antetokounmpo, the youngest brother of Giannis Antetokounmpo, made his NBA debut. The 24-year-old scored just 3 points in three minutes off the bench, but his appearance made NBA history as the first time three brothers were on the same active roster.

Seven Bucks players scored in double figures. Rollins led with 24 points. Kyle Kuzma followed with 20 points. AJ Green recorded 17 points. Gary Trent Jr. added 17 points. Ousmane Dieng and Pete Nance scored 11 points apiece. Myles Turner had 10 points.

The Orlando Magic endured a blowout to the Atlanta Hawks 130-101 at the Kia Center on Wednesday. Jamal Cain led the Magic with 17 points and 1 rebound. Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the Hawks with 32 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Orlando Magic Starters

The Mavericks’ starting lineup featured Ryan Nembhard, Max Christie, Flagg, Naji Marshall, and Daniel Gafford.

The Mavericks ruled out Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery), Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery), PJ Washington Jr. (illness), Caleb Martin (right plantar fascia strain), and Marvin Bagley III (left shoulder impingement).

The Magic’s starting lineup featured Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, and Wendell Carter Jr.

The Magic ruled out Anthony Black (left lateral abdominal muscle strain) and Jonathan Isaac (left knee sprain).

Mavericks vs. Magic Recap

The Mavericks and Magic entered Friday’s game as a bottom-feeder team in the Western Conference and a mid-team in the Eastern Conference, respectively. The Mavericks’ lack of rhythm and the Magic’s lack of cohesion are two of the biggest issues in the NBA.

Dallas scored early to establish a lead in the first quarter. Christie made back-to-back three-pointers. Orlando tied the game at 9-9. Orlando’s attempts to play fast, control the tempo, and excel on offense showed out. Suggs found Franz Wagner for a layup. Orlando took a 38-31 lead to end the first.

Dallas shone in the second quarter, but Orlando’s late 18-5 run was better. Klay Thompson’s red-hot shooting included a three-pointer that gave vintage “Splash Brother” vibes. Orlando had solid shooting moments. Banchero got past Flagg for an and-1. Bane made his third three-pointer of the night. Orlando took a 71-58 lead into halftime.

Orlando gained its largest lead, 72-58, of the night to open the third quarter. Dallas’ shine often stemmed from Flagg Thompson and Brandon Williams. Flagg’s step-back three-pointer over Franz Wagner helped him record 10 straight points. Dallas impressed the home crowd with a late 10-2 run, but Orlando took an 111-92 lead through three quarters.

Dallas made its presence known in the fourth quarter but failed to get ahead. Williams picked up a loose ball, soared to the rim, and scored. Flagg followed up with 45 points and counting. Flagg’s play on both sides of the ball dazzled the home team’s fans. Orlando won 138-127 in regulation.

Next Steps

The Mavericks conclude the homestand against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. Central. The Mavs can potentially pull off an upset over the Lakers by focusing on shooting, encouraging teamwork, and ensuring individual player conditioning.

The Magic face the New Orleans Pelicans in a one-game road tilt on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. Central. The Magic’s defensive-first approach, offensive contributions, and creation of scoring opportunities can potentially lead to a win over the Pelicans.