Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg. Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Mavericks' Cooper Flagg is proving more than capable of being offensive centerpiece

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Dec 4, 2025 12:48 PM ET

Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis' early calf injury thrust rookie forward Cooper Flagg into the team's No. 1 role.

While that may have rushed Dallas' plans, it's proving beneficial for the first pick of the 2025 NBA Draft, who has powered the Mavericks' three-game win streak.

Cooper Flagg carried Mavericks in third straight win

In a 118-108 home win over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night, Flagg scored a team-high 22 points on a stellar 9-of-13 shooting from the field. He also iced the game late in the fourth quarter.

After squandering a 13-point third-quarter lead, the Mavericks led 112-106 with 1:59 remaining in the fourth quarter. Flagg hit a turnaround jump shot at the top of the key and subsequently blocked Heat forward Andrew Wiggins' layup attempt. That sequence put the game out of reach for Miami.

3rd straight 20+ pt game for Cooper Flagg

22 PTS | 6 REB | 9–13 FGM I DAL W

The only other player in NBA history to total three straight 20+ pt games at 18 years old or younger?

LeBron James. pic.twitter.com/gp9T7fQvvU
— NBA (@NBA) December 4, 2025

With that performance, Flagg has now had three consecutive games with 20 points or more. He joins Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James as the only other rookie in NBA history to record three straight 20-plus point games at 18 or younger.

Following the win over Miami, Flagg admitted he didn't enjoy playing without Davis, who has since returned after missing 15 games. However, he believes it was a critical learning experience.

"I think I learned throughout that period, and as a team, I think we learned a lot as well," he said. "Obviously, it wasn't the start we were looking for or hoping to have, but I think it'll give us a lot of gratitude moving forward."

The Mavericks (8-15) may need Flagg to remain their primary scorer. Despite Davis returning, it wouldn't be surprising if he suffers another injury. After being traded from the Lakers to the Mavericks last season, he played in just nine games for Dallas due to adductor, groin and thigh injuries.

Star guard Kyrie Irving tore the ACL in his left knee in March. He's reportedly nearing a return, but until he does, Flagg will have to be a closer for the Mavericks. Luckily for Dallas, he seems capable of handling that role.

"He's done it his whole life," Mavericks rookie guard Ryan Nembhard said postgame. "[At] Duke, he barely lost. I'm sure he didn't lose when he was in Maine. He does it on both ends of the floor consistently every single night. That's special for an 18-year-old."

And if Dallas already trusts him to have the ball in his hands late in games this early in his career, imagine what Flagg's ceiling is.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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