COOPER FLAGG SILENCES CRITICS WITH 31 POINT PERFORMANCE IN 2ND NBA SUMMER LEAGUE GAME

In his second NBA Summer League game on July 12, 2025, Cooper Flagg, the Dallas Mavericks' No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, showcased his immense potential despite his team falling 76-69 to the San Antonio Spurs. The 18-year-old forward from Newport, Maine, delivered a stellar performance, dropping 31 points in 31 minutes of action, a significant leap from his uneven debut just two days prior. His display at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas reaffirmed why he is considered one of the most hyped American prospects since LeBron James.

A Scoring Explosion

Flagg's stat line was impressive: 31 points on 10-of-21 shooting from the field, including 3-of-9 from beyond the three-point arc, and 8-of-13 from the free-throw line. He also contributed four rebounds, one assist, and one blocked shot. This performance marked a stark contrast to his Summer League debut against the Los Angeles Lakers, where he struggled with a 5-for-21 shooting night and scored only 10 points. Against the Spurs, Flagg found his rhythm, displaying the scoring prowess that made him a consensus National Player of the Year at Duke, where he averaged 19.2 points per game on 48.1% shooting as a freshman.

His ability to bounce back from a subpar debut was a testament to his mental toughness and adaptability. Flagg's scoring outburst included a mix of dynamic plays, from three-point shooting to aggressive drives to the basket, showcasing his versatility as a 6-foot-9 forward. Social media buzzed with excitement, with posts on X highlighting his highlight-reel moments and labeling him a "problem" for opposing defenses.

Facing the No. 2 Pick

The game also featured a marquee matchup between Flagg and Dylan Harper, the No. 2 overall pick by the Spurs. Harper contributed 16 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals, but Flagg stole the spotlight with his scoring efficiency and all-around impact. The battle between the top two picks added an extra layer of intrigue, drawing significant attention from fans and analysts alike. The NBA's official X account highlighted the clash, noting Flagg's 31 points and Harper's solid contribution.

Beyond the Numbers

While Flagg's scoring led the game, his performance was not without flaws. His four rebounds and one assist suggest he leaned heavily on scoring rather than facilitating or dominating the glass, areas where he excelled at Duke (averaging 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists). The Mavericks' coaching staff, led by Jason Kidd, has been experimenting with Flagg as a primary facilitator, a role that challenges the young forward to expand his game beyond his college power forward position. This strategic shift may explain his lower assist numbers, as he adjusts to handling the ball against aggressive NBA defenses.

Flagg's defensive contributions included a blocked shot, continuing to showcase the two-way potential that scouts raved about during his Duke tenure. His 7-foot wingspan and 35.5-inch vertical leap make him a disruptive force, and his ability to make plays like the game-changing block in his debut against the Lakers carried over to this game. Despite the loss, Flagg's effort and poise impressed coaches and teammates, with Dallas Summer League coach Josh Broghamer praising his ability to make the right play repeatedly.

Context and Expectations

The Summer League is a proving ground for rookies, and Flagg's performance must be viewed in context. The environment is fast-paced and often chaotic, with players adapting to new teammates and systems. Flagg's 31-point outburst came against a Spurs team featuring Harper and other young talents, making it a competitive test. While his shooting efficiency (47.6% from the field) was a marked improvement from his debut, his 3-of-9 performance from three-point range indicates room for growth in his perimeter game, a noted area of development from his Duke days.

The loss to the Spurs did little to dampen the enthusiasm surrounding Flagg. Fans and analysts, including former Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, emphasized his youth and potential, noting that at just 18, Flagg has ample time to refine his game. Cuban highlighted Flagg's ability to avoid forcing plays, a sign of maturity for a player so young.

Looking Ahead

Flagg's performance in his second Summer League game sets a high bar for his remaining appearances. The Mavericks have two more scheduled games—against the Charlotte Hornets on July 14 and the Philadelphia 76ers on July 16—where Flagg will have opportunities to build on this momentum. Whether he continues to focus on scoring or expands his playmaking and rebounding will be closely watched, as will his ability to adapt to Kidd's vision of playing him at small forward or even as a point guard.

The hype surrounding Flagg is undeniable, with his debut game drawing one of the highest Summer League viewerships in recent years. His ability to deliver highlight-reel plays, like his tomahawk dunk in the opener or his 31-point showcase against the Spurs, suggests he has the "it" factor to become a star. As he navigates the Summer League, Flagg is proving he can handle the pressure of being the No. 1 pick while showing flashes of the all-around game that could make him a cornerstone for the Mavericks.

Cooper Flagg's second NBA Summer League game was a breakout moment, highlighting his scoring ability and resilience after a challenging debut. While the Mavericks fell short against the Spurs, Flagg's 31 points, defensive plays, and poise under pressure underscored why he is a generational talent. As he continues to develop, the basketball world will be watching closely, eager to see how this young star shapes the future of the Dallas Mavericks.