Jul 10, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) looks to pass the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first quarter of their game at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images Candice Ward-Imagn Images

'Not up to my standards'... Cooper Flagg reacts to Summer League debut against Lakers

Originally posted on Dallas Mavericks on SI
By Austin Veazey | Last updated Jul 10, 2025 10:49 PM ET

The Dallas Mavericks picked up a tight 87-85 win over the Los Angeles Lakers in the first game of the 2025 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas as Cooper Flagg struggled to score, but he impacted the game everywhere else.

Flagg finished with 10 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, three steals, and a block while only turning it over once, but he shot a rough 5/21 from the floor and 0/5 from three. He was playing a new role as a point forward, as Jason Kidd wanted to see how he'd handle the pressure, and he handled it well, just has to get more comfortable as a scorer in that role.

After the game, ESPN's Katie George asked him what he thought of his performance, and he knows he needs to be better.

"Not up to my standard. I’m gonna regroup and I’ll be alright." He also gave a lot of credit to Ryan Nembhard and Miles Kelly, Dallas' two-way contract signees, whom they acquired after the NBA Draft.

Cooper says tonight wasn't his "best game", but that "we'll be alright" pic.twitter.com/ZqQ68syduP
— MavsHighlights (@MavsHighlights) July 11, 2025

Nembhard was incredible for the Mavs on Thursday, finishing with 21 points and 5 assists on 8/14 shooting. He played just like his brother, Andrew, did for the Indiana Pacers throughout the playoffs, consistently getting to his spot in the midrange and being comfortable pulling up. He immediately looked like someone who should've been drafted, and lucky for the Mavs, he wasn't.

Miles Kelly had a strong game as well, with 17 points and hitting three shots from beyond the arc. Dallas will get back at it against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday afternoon, who have the second overall pick, Dylan Harper.

This article first appeared on Dallas Mavericks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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