Flagg Shines Against Raptors as Mavs Secure Their First Win
Cooper Flagg delivered an impressive performance, scoring 22 points and executing a highlight-reel dunk that fueled the Dallas Mavericks to a 139-129 victory over the Toronto Raptors. This win marks the Mavericks’ first triumph of the season, highlighting Flagg’s role as the No. 1 overall draft pick.
Key Performances and Game Highlights
The game was played on a Sunday night, where Flagg started an essential 13-0 run in the third quarter. He opened the scoring with a field goal and capped off the run with a dynamic dunk, following a bounce pass from D’Angelo Russell. This play allowed the Mavericks to extend their lead to 95-85.
Anthony Davis contributed significantly, putting up 25 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 33 points and 11 rebounds. Flagg’s 3-pointer during the fourth quarter halted a 7-0 run by Toronto, marking the first time he scored over 20 points in a game.
Mavericks Bench Contributions
The Mavericks’ bench also played a vital role in this victory. Russell finished with 24 points and a team-leading six assists. Other notable performances from the bench included:
- Max Christie: 17 points
- Naji Marshall: 12 points, perfect from the field and free-throw line
For the Raptors, Brandon Ingram added 22 points, while RJ Barrett and Sandro Mamukelashvili each contributed 16 points. Raptors’ P.J. Washington was key in the fourth quarter, scoring 17 points including critical three-point plays.
Upcoming Games
The Mavericks are set to face the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder next. This game will conclude a five-game homestand for Dallas. Meanwhile, the Raptors will continue their Texas road trip with an upcoming game against the San Antonio Spurs.
The Mavericks’ strong offensive showing and Flagg’s emergence as a scoring threat could set the tone for the rest of the season as they look to build on this momentum.
