Cooper Flagg delivered a standout performance with 31 points in Saturday’s Summer League game, but the Dallas Mavericks fell to the San Antonio Spurs, 76–69, in Las Vegas. After the game, Flagg spoke with reporters about his comfort level, ball-handling under pressure, and the challenges of being a rookie at this level.
Asked how much more comfortable he felt in his second Summer League appearance, Flagg said, “I definitely felt a little more comfortable. It was a different, you know, paced game, but they were still being physical, picking up 94. They did a really good job of just pressuring us and getting us out of our actions.”
On finding his rhythm offensively despite the Spurs’ tough defense, Flagg credited his preparation: “Just trusting all the work. Taking a lot of the same shots I took last game. I got to the line a little bit better today. Still missed a bunch of free throws — I know my mom probably wasn’t very happy with that — but just trying to get to the free throw line, get some stuff early, get to the rim.”
Flagg was also asked about his ball-handling under heavy defensive pressure, noting he has only turned the ball over three times in two games. “I think I’ve been solid,” he said. “I think I’m exhausted. I’m not used to bringing the ball up like that and every time I’m getting the ball fullcourt, I have somebody on my hip playing 94 feet. But I think I did a solid job bringing up against pressure and trying to set up our different actions.”
When discussing his comfort level at the point guard spot, Flagg reiterated, “I think I was able to show that I can handle the ball against pressure and bring it up. So it just depends on different matchups and what coach wants to see.”
On whether he feels the weight of expectations as a highly touted rookie, Flagg explained, “I think just trusting myself. I’ve been through all this before, same thing going into college, same expectations, same people talking about you. So it’s just trusting the work and knowing what I can do.”
Asked about facing Carter Bryant, his primary defender, Flagg praised him: “He’s an incredible player. Really lengthy, plays really good defense. He didn’t look tired at all the whole game. He was just there, playing great defense the whole way, physical. He’s going to keep getting better.”
Reflecting on his mental preparation in this new role, Flagg said it hasn’t changed much: “It’s the same stuff. Trusting your work, trusting the hours, knowing what you can do, and keeping it simple. Just about playing off each other and figuring out our best spacing.”
Though he admitted taking 21 shots felt unusual, he added, “It’s a new environment, new setting. They want to see me be aggressive and do that type of stuff. I was trying my best to just be aggressive and assert myself early, get to the line, and that helped me get comfortable.”
On his long-term aspirations, Flagg kept the focus on the present: “I haven’t really thought about that too much. I’m kind of just focused on each individual day just trying to get better.”
Finally, Flagg spoke highly of his friend Khaman Maluach, calling him “a great kid” and “a very versatile player,” adding, “I watched his game last night. He showed he can shoot the three consistently and he’ll be confident shooting that. He’s only been playing for four years, but I think he’s going to be very successful.”
