Mavericks Announce Cooper Flagg News After Leaving Nuggets Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Jan 14, 2026 11:17 PM ET

The Dallas Mavericks’ 2025–26 NBA season has not gone according to plan. The team appears to be approaching a rebuild and new era built around rookie sensation Cooper Flagg while big man Anthony Davis continues to surface in trade rumors.

With Flagg as the franchise’s future, he represents a versatile piece to build around. His combination of size, skill and basketball IQ allows him to impact the game in multiple ways, scoring efficiently, facilitating for teammates and defending across positions.

Through 39 games this year, the 19‑year‑old has posted 19.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.3 steals while shooting 48.0% from the floor and 29.3% from beyond the arc. Flagg has continued to make his presence felt on both ends of the court.

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32)© Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

During Wednesday’s road matchup against the Denver Nuggets, Flagg struggled early against one of the best teams in the Western Conference. In his first 15 minutes of action, he missed all of his 3‑point attempts, collecting six points, one rebound and one assist.

To make matters worse, he hobbled to the locker room in the second quarter, apparently suffering an injury as he limped off. Although he returned before halftime, easing concern momentarily, he did not take the floor to begin the second half.

His teammate Ryan Nembhard entered in his place, and moments later the Mavericks announced a troubling update. “Cooper Flagg (left ankle sprain) will not return to tonight’s game against the Denver Nuggets,” the team wrote on X.

Cooper Flagg (left ankle sprain) will not return to tonight's game against the Denver Nuggets.
— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) January 15, 2026

The injury is not new for Flagg, who also tweaked his left ankle during Monday’s win against the Brooklyn Nets. He managed to finish that contest, but this time the setback forced him out.

Flagg’s NBA journey has already been remarkable. Selected first overall in the 2025 NBA Draft out of Duke University, he was heralded as a generational prospect and has quickly validated that hype.

In a disappointing year for the Mavericks, who have fallen out of the playoff picture, Flagg has been the lone bright spot, offering hope for the future with his production and poise. His injury will continue to be monitored closely, as Dallas knows its rebuild and long‑term aspirations hinge on keeping its young star healthy and on the floor.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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