Cooper Flagg takes pride in being the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft.
The Dallas Mavericks outlasted the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder with a 106-89 win at Dickes Arena on Monday night.
The high-prized rookie led the Mavericks with 10 points, six boards, three assists, and a blocked shot in just 14 minutes of playing time.
Flagg said that he had fun playing with the team as the ball movement became their priority.
“That’s a fun brand of basketball to play when the ball’s moving around,” Flagg said. “It was fun.”
Although it was just a preseason, the 18-year-old dominated his limited minutes by grabbing boards and going for a coast-to-coast finish. He also knocked down a three-pointer during a pick-and-roll play.
The 6-foot-8 forward finished the game with all-around skillful plays that included a pair of free throws after getting fouled down the paint.
He shot 3-of-6 overall and 2-of-3 from three-point deep, also not committing turnovers in his fantastic debut.
“Just taking whatever the defense gives me,” Flagg said. “Just keep it simple, making the right play — pass or shot, whatever that is.”
Mavericks head tactician Jason Kidd commended Flagg’s debut by being active on both ends offensively and defensively.
“You got to see the defensive side, you got to see the playmaking and then the scoring,” Mavs coach Jason Kidd said. “He was really, really good.”
So far, the Thunder have not played their starters since the preseason began.
