Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd lauded Cooper Flagg after the 18-year-old scored a career-high 29 points to lead the team to a 118-115 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday at American Airlines Center.
“I thought the group played hard for 48 minutes and got to the finish line,” Kidd said, highlighting the team’s resilience despite early turnovers.
The coach emphasized Flagg’s poise in the fourth quarter, noting his ability to create opportunities for himself and teammates. “Understanding his poise and how to get to his spot offensively…he does the right thing by shooting a three. It’s the right basketball play, make or miss,” Kidd said.
P.J. Washington Jr. also delivered a strong performance, scoring 24 points while hitting five 3-pointers and guarding key Pelicans players. “He was patient…made some big threes for us down the stretch,” Kidd noted.
Max Christie contributed 23 points, tying a career high, while Brandon Williams orchestrated the Mavericks’ offense with 12 assists. Kidd highlighted the team’s defensive effort, pointing to nine blocks and consistent perimeter defense that held New Orleans to 25% shooting in crucial stretches.
Kidd credited the team’s competitiveness and trust in each other for their ability to overcome a nine-point early deficit. “They never feel they’re out of the game…trust each other and you saw that again at a high level,” he said, reflecting on the Mavericks’ “next man up” mentality amid injuries and illness.
The Mavericks’ late surge was capped by Naji Marshall’s go-ahead 3-pointer with 30.7 seconds remaining, securing the win against his former team. Kidd praised Flagg for consistently delivering in clutch moments, noting his impact on rebounds, blocks, and scoring when needed.
Dallas improved to 5-12 overall and 1-2 in NBA Cup play, winning two of its last three home games after a 2-7 start at American Airlines Center. The Mavericks will host Memphis on Saturday, while the Pelicans, who fell to 2-14, face Atlanta at home.
