Image Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images

Cooper Flagg Silences Doubters With 31-Point Night vs. Spurs, Leaves “Worst Game” Behind Him

Cooper Flagg showed why he remains one of the most anticipated rookies in the NBA Summer League

Image Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images

The Dallas Mavericks suffered their first loss of the NBA Summer League campaign against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday. Despite that, Cooper Flagg remained in the spotlight due to his performance on Saturday.

The San Antonio Spurs started the game well by outscoring their opponents in the first quarter by 21-11. The Mavericks weren’t comfortable trailing behind, hence they dropped 21 points in the second quarter.

The Spurs had a one point lead coming into the second half. Momentum shifted again in the third quarter as the Spurs outscored the Mavericks to regain control. The game was poised to make a massive difference in the final quarter.

COOPER FLAGG DOWN THE LANE WITH FORCE 😳 pic.twitter.com/XRjyPKyjyO
— NBA (@NBA) July 12, 2025

The Mavericks briefly led in the fourth quarter, but their efforts weren’t enough to overturn the deficit. Their efforts in the end remained too little, with the San Antonio Spurs winning by 76-69. They are now placed at the top position of the NBA Summer League table.

Mavericks Fall But Cooper Flagg Delivers

While the Spurs walked away with the win, it was Cooper Flagg who truly stole the spotlight on Saturday night. His performance silenced his critics who believed he wasn’t ready. Flagg was one of the few players in the Mavericks side who was relentless till the end.

Flagg erupted for 31 points in as many minutes, showing off both his hustle and scoring ability. Cooper Flagg scored 10-21 from the field, while he managed to convert three out of nine shots from beyond the arc. His three-point shooting still needs polish, but there’s ample time to fine-tune that part of his game.

COOPER FLAGG TODAY:

31 POINTS
4 REBOUNDS
50% FG

(Via @realapp_ ) pic.twitter.com/fs4RhVHV3D
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 12, 2025

Cooper Flagg in his debut game scored only 10 points and was visibly unhappy with himself. Moreover, he also termed the game as the worst of his life. The former Duke Blue Devils’ made sure to leave an impact in his next game, which he did.

Despite Flagg’s brilliance, a lack of support from teammates meant the Mavericks came up short by seven. Miles Kelly was the second-highest scorer for Dallas, finishing with 11 points on the night.