Bronny James misses the game winning three and Dallas won.
After 15 days officially as a member of the Dallas Mavericks, Cooper Flagg made his NBA Summer League debut. The forward was on the court during the Dallas Mavericks’ 87-85 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. The game featured comebacks, nine lead changes, and a game-winning attempt by Bronny James, who just missed. In a highly-anticipated clash which already got hype due to high ticket prices ended in a dramatic fashion.
Cooper Flagg finished the game with 10 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. Thus, the forward had a subpar night in scoring, making just 5 of 21 shots and not scoring at all in the second half. However, Cooper Flagg performed well defensively and in virtually every other aspect of the game. He even had a block followed by an assist that proved crucial in the final stretch.
Ryan Nembhard, Andrew Nembhard’s brother, also stood out for the Mavericks. The point guard finished as Dallas’ top scorer with 21 points and five assists, proving crucial in the final stretch with five consecutive points to secure the victory. Finally, Miles Kelly heated up in the second half, finishing with 17 points.
Meanwhile, Bronny James started the game 2-2 from the field but missed all his shots and finished with 8 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists. Dalton Knecht started poorly but picked up the pace and finished with 15 points. The Lakers’ last standout was Cole Swider, the power forward who caught fire in the fourth quarter and gave the team life. He scored 22 points and had six three-pointers.
Flagg started 0-2 while Bronny hit his first two shots, making it 5-0 to the Lakers. Ryan Nembhard also started well, holding down the Mavericks until Flagg entered the game. The forward got a steal, ran the length of the court, and dunked powerfully.
Soon after, the 2025 Draft pick hit a beautiful mid-range shot just before a layup and a fastbreak foul. Cooper Flagg put the Mavericks ahead 13-10. The team finished the quarter leading 19-16.
Later, in the first minutes of the second half, Bronny James marked Cooper Flagg. On the first attempt, the Lakers player did well and got a steal, but it was a foul according to the referee. Later, the same play ended with the Mavericks player converting a jump shot.
The game remained evenly matched until Dallas began capitalizing on LA’s missed shots and counterattacking. The team opened up a seven-point lead and appeared to be in control. However, the Lakers’ three-pointers were falling, and the team came back to win the first half, leading 47-43.
At halftime, the Lakers had five more three-pointers than their opponents. Meanwhile, the Mavericks were 13-0 in fastbreak points. In fact, when LA came back with even more possession in the third quarter, Dallas’ chances of a quick break diminished. As a result, the Lakers took a 60-50 lead.
Leading ten, the Lakers relaxed and let the Mavericks of Ryan Nembhard and Miles Kelly have their way. The Mavericks finished the quarter with an 18-2 run to leave the score at 68-62 entering the decisive quarter.
In the opening minutes, with Bronny and Cooper Flagg on the bench and much more discreet, the teams traded baskets. However, it was then that Cole Swider’s three-pointers came to fruition for the Lakers. The team regained control of the game and took an 84-82 lead within three minutes. Even with Cooper Flagg on the court, Ryan Nembhard called the game and hit a beautiful step-back from mid-range to close the gap to 85-84.
Next, Flagg made a beautiful block and led the counterattack, passing to Nembhard to score a three and leave the score at 87 to 85 Mavericks. The Lakers still had three chances to tie or win. On the first, they missed a layup, but Darius Bazley grabbed the offensive rebound and was fouled, but ended up missing both free throws.
Next, Cooper Flagg threw an air ball with 19 seconds remaining, and Bronny James had the final ball. The forward called the individual play and went for a step-back three-pointer, but missed, and the victory went to Dallas.
Final: Mavericks 87-85 Lakers.
Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images
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