Cooper Flagg Struggles Against Luka Doncic as Mavericks Fall to Lakers in NBA Cup Nov 28
In an intense NBA Cup matchup on November 28, 2023, rookie Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks faced off against star player Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers. This game marked a significant moment in Flagg’s early career as he took on the challenge of competing against one of the league’s best.
Game Overview
The Mavericks made notable lineup changes for this game. Cooper Flagg led the starting five, which also saw the return of Anthony Davis after a lengthy injury absence. Rookie Ryan Nembhard was granted his first career start, joining Flagg, Max Christie, and P.J. Washington on the court. As a result, Daniel Gafford and Brandon Williams transitioned to bench roles.
Flagg’s Performance
During the game, Cooper Flagg played for 36 minutes and put up impressive numbers:
- Points: 13
- Rebounds: 7
- Assists: 11
- Steals: 3
- Shooting: 5 of 11 (1 of 3 from three-point range, 2 of 2 from free-throw line)
Despite these contributions, he finished with a plus/minus rating of -8 and recorded one turnover.
Quarter Highlights
In the first quarter, Flagg struggled to find his rhythm. He had minimal impact early on, contributing only one assist before resting. His first shot attempt came midway through the period, resulting in a successful mid-range jumper. By the end of the first, he tallied two points, one rebound, and one assist in nine minutes.
The second quarter saw Flagg’s performance improve significantly. He scored five points and made multiple key rebounds, concluding the half with seven points, four rebounds, and two assists on 3 of 5 shooting.
In the third quarter, Flagg’s playmaking became crucial, as he recorded five assists. Although he managed only two points, he kept the Mavericks competitive going into the final period.
In the fourth, Flagg added four points and four assists, but his efforts were not enough to secure a win. The Mavericks ultimately lost to the Lakers 129-119, concluding their NBA Cup campaign with a disappointing record of 1-3.
Conclusion
Cooper Flagg’s performance against Luka Doncic and the Lakers showcased his potential and versatility. Despite the loss, his ability to contribute across multiple areas bodes well for his future in the NBA.
