UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown, Cooper Flagg delivered a stunning performance, scoring a career-high 29 points to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a dramatic 118-115 comeback victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on July 15, 2025. Flagg’s late-game heroics, including 12 points in the fourth quarter, were pivotal in securing the win at the American Airlines Center.
The matchup marked the first encounter between rookie lottery picks Flagg and Derik Queen as NBA adversaries, adding an emotional layer to their competition. Earlier this month, Flagg faced disappointment after a missed jumper that could have tied the game, but Friday night was a different story, culminating in joyful celebrations with Queen post-game.
Flagg’s clutch performance comes as the Mavericks have struggled this season, currently sitting at 5-12. His ability to perform under pressure has been noteworthy; he ranks sixth in the league with 31 points in clutch situations, defined as the final five minutes of a game with a score within five points.
“He’s not afraid,” said Mavs coach Jason Kidd. “For an 18-year-old, that’s pretty special.”
After trailing by as much as 15 points, Flagg turned the tide for Dallas. Following a halftime challenge from Kidd to attack the paint, Flagg responded with 21 points on 8-of-9 shooting in the second half, showcasing his growth and determination.
Meanwhile, Queen had an impressive outing, contributing 20 points, seven rebounds, and a career-high 11 assists, though he faced disappointment by missing a critical 3-pointer in the game’s final seconds.
“Everybody has seen that he’s just a special player,” Flagg remarked about Queen. “He has a special way about him of just finding teammates.”
Flagg’s performance not only solidified his status as a rising star but also made him the second-youngest player in NBA history to score 20 points in the paint during a game, following LeBron James. His combination of skill and poise is drawing attention across the league.
As the Mavs look to build on this momentum, all eyes will be on Flagg and Queen in their future matchups. The league is witnessing a new generation of talent, and both players are proving they belong at this level.
Stay tuned for more updates on their journeys as the season progresses!
