Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg reflected on Thursday’s 123-108 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers at American Airlines Center, highlighting missed opportunities and defensive lapses.
“I just thought our energy dropped, you know, weren’t hitting shots, turning the ball over, so I just got to do a better job taking care of it and getting stops,” Flagg said.
The 19-year-old forward acknowledged the 76ers’ timely shooting in the fourth quarter. “They hit some timely shots. We didn’t get stops we needed. We missed a bunch of easy ones tonight as well,” he said.
Flagg discussed the physical demands of his rookie season. “It’s a lot of basketball. I’m figuring out my routine more and more. Some days you feel tired, but you play through it and be tough,” he said.
The guard explained his aggressive scoring approach. “Just looks I’ve been getting. Being aggressive helps the team. That’s what coaches and teammates are telling me, so I’m being myself and trying to impact the game,” Flagg said.
He praised Naji Marshall’s energy off the bench. “It changes it a lot. He gets downhill, gets to the rim, shoots floaters. When he’s at his best, it gives us energy going down that stretch,” Flagg said.
Flagg addressed his relationship with fellow rookie VJ Edgecombe. “I wouldn’t say it’s a rivalry. We’ve competed at a high level against each other for three years. There’s a lot of love and respect. He’s a competitor and a winner,” he said.
He also assessed Tyrese Maxey’s impact. “His aggressiveness and assertiveness, running off screens, getting downhill, using quickness, getting to the foul line—he’s tough to slow down for sure,” Flagg said.
On improving team performance, Flagg emphasized defensive cohesion. “We just have to stay together, buy into our principles, and play both sides of the ball at a really high level,” he said.
Flagg discussed increasing three-point volume. “I’d love to shoot more shots. Coach gives us the green light. If the shot’s there, I’m confident to take it. I’ve passed up on some, but going forward, I’ll take the looks I want,” he said.
He explained how the Mavericks can generate more threes as a team. “Just finding our sprays. Take mid-range shots, collapse the defense, drive and kick. We have to put pressure on the rim and find shooters, but it’s something we can’t force,” Flagg said.
Dallas shot 38% overall and 21% from three-point range, while Philadelphia hit 53%. Flagg scored 12 points in 37 minutes. Anthony Davis added 13, and Max Christie led Dallas with 18 points. The 76ers were paced by Tyrese Maxey’s 34-point, 10-assist, eight-rebound performance.
The Mavericks host the Houston Rockets on Saturday, aiming to increase three-point attempts and defensive intensity. Flagg’s postgame comments underline the team’s focus on disciplined offense and collective effort moving forward.
