Cooper Flagg spoke after the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Brooklyn Nets 113-105 on Monday, reflecting on his development and role as a rookie.
“I do. Yeah. I have a lot of memories, just being a fan of basketball in general…a Warriors fan watching him growing up. It’s been amazing just to be alongside Klay Cap this year,” Flagg said, referencing Klay Thompson’s leadership.
Flagg praised Thompson’s example and guidance. “He just leads with example, showing up, putting his work in…giving me advice and making sure I’m not putting too much pressure on myself,” Flagg said.
Jason Kidd highlighted Flagg as a team leader on and off the court, which the rookie embraced.
“Leader or not, I just try to stay true to myself…being vocal and letting that side of me come out. We have a great group of guys, and that’s made it easy for me to be myself,” he said.
Flagg addressed his all-around contributions in points, rebounds, assists, and steals. “From the very start, it’s about being an impact player…impacting the game in a lot of different ways. There’s always room to improve,” he said.
He reflected on adjusting to double teams at the NBA level. “It’s great…they did a little differently tonight. Being in our spots better made it easier to get rid of the ball and give our guys advantages to play four on four or three,” Flagg said.
Flagg credited consistent practice for his shooting success. “Mechanically, nothing different. Just trusting the work…trusting the process, staying confident, getting extra reps, and staying in the gym,” he said.
The rookie also discussed rebounding and finishing through injury. “Just got to keep pursuing them…hit guys and keep guys off the glass. For the ankle, just tied it up tighter, retaped it, and got back out there,” he said.
Flagg recognized contributions from teammates Naji Marshall and Max Christie. “Naji and Max are both super consistent, tough, and true professionals…Naji’s ability to get in the paint and Max being one of the leading three-point shooters in the league has been huge,” Flagg said.
Dallas relied on Flagg’s 27 points and three steals, Naji’s 22 points, and Thompson’s 18 points with six 3-pointers to overcome Brooklyn.
The Mavericks improved to 15-25, snapping a two-game losing streak, while the Nets fell to 11-26, losing their fourth straight.
Dallas shot 51 percent from the field and committed just 12 turnovers, maintaining control despite missing four starters, including Anthony Davis and P.J. Washington Jr.
The Mavericks will host Denver on Wednesday, while Brooklyn continues its road trip in New Orleans.
