The good vibes are returning to the Dallas Mavericks locker room. After a tough start to the 25-26 season, they are once again dreaming of a postseason run. And Cooper Flagg’s return to his natural position has fueled this resurgence.
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Flagg’s recent performances are showing why he was the No. 1 pick in the 2025 Draft. Against the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday, he was so impressive that Anthony Davis even decided to joke about it.
Flagg scored 33 points and had nine rebounds and assists to his name against the Nuggets. The 19-year-old narrowly missed out on a triple-double, which, to be honest, doesn’t really put a stain on the brilliance he displayed. However, Davis, who joined the Mavs last February from the Lakers, couldn’t resist poking fun at Flagg.
AD decided to declare post-game that the rookie is simply not cut out for it. “Oh shit. I didn’t know that,” he said, after learning that Flagg missed on a triple-double by just one board and dime.
“Ooh. He’s not good enough to get a triple-double, I guess,” added Davis
Of course, Davis was joking. There’s no doubt about that. Flagg is good enough to score a triple-double and a lot more.
“I think I took one of his rebounds, too,” Davis added. “But that’s a hell of a stat line, especially with a win.”
Flagg can become one of the best players of the generation and more if he keeps learning and improving. The future of Mavs will also be bright if he metamorphoses into a league superstar. That’s why the Mavericks were ecstatic when they got the No. 1 pick earlier this year.
The start to the season was difficult for Flagg, as coach Jason Kidd was playing him out of position. The forward was asked to play at Point Guard. Now that the shackles are removed, he’s thriving.
As for Dallas, they’re now 11th in the Western Conference with a 12-19 record. They’re 6-4 in their last 10 games, which (as it suggests) means they’re winning more than they’re losing. That’s great news for their post-season aspirations.
The Mavericks are just one game behind Memphis in 10th, and getting there would earn them a play-in spot. A playoff spot seems like a distant dream for now. But if their performances keep improving with time, who’s to say they don’t have a chance?
