Kawhi Leonard unveils the Jason Kidd tactic that unleashed Cooper Flagg’s peak form

After the game, Clippers star Kawhi Leonard spoke about how Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd set up Flagg to get the most out of his scoring ability.

“Jason Kidd did a good job of spreading the floor out, letting him attack, get to his spots. [He] got to the free throw line, made mids, got fouled,” said the former NBA champion.

Flagg did most of his damage by getting into the paint and hitting mid-range jumpers. He went hard to the basket and earned 11 trips to the free-throw line, knocking down nine of them.

Kidd’s plan gave Flagg space to work with and made it easier for him to get into rhythm. The rookie took full advantage, showing how effective he can be when given room to operate.

How paint attacks could help Cooper Flagg find his rhythm

Flagg has not provided much shooting threat, hitting just 25.3% from three-point range. When Kidd has used him as a primary ball-handler and playmaker, it has limited his scoring opportunities.

Shifting the focus to getting downhill and working in the mid-range might be the best way forward for now.

Flagg has the size and physicality to handle that role and can certainly hold his own against most defenders.

This shift in focus towards paint play rather than perimeter shooting could be exactly what is needed to get Flagg’s numbers up over the course of the season.