Tonight’s preseason game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder wasn’t a playoff game. However, the Dickies Arena lit up, and there was only one man the crowd laid their eyeballs on – Cooper Flagg. The question wasn’t about Flagg’s ability to play but about when he would fit in. And boy, there are promising signs for the Mavericks fans.

Within minutes, the crowd had its answer. Flagg finished his preseason debut with 10 points on 3/6 shooting, as well as 2/3 from deep. He also added six rebounds, three assists, and a block in the Mavericks’ blowout 106-89 win over the Thunder. No panic, no wasted movements. Just the kind of efficient, mature play that doesn’t announce itself, but still stands out.

The plays weren’t flashy, but his all-around stat line just goes to show how he can contribute on all ends of the floor for a Mavericks squad looking to contend for a championship.

Flagg started the game alongside the projected regular season starters, and he looked natural out there next to Klay Thompson and D’Angelo Russell. One possession in particular stood out: Flagg grabbed a defensive rebound and quickly pushed the ball up the court, then shot a pinpoint assist to PJ Washington for a corner three. Dallas head coach Jason Kidd made it clear before Summer League that he wanted Flagg to orchestrate, and he looked comfortable with the ball in his hands and made the right play every time. In fact, Flagg was one of two starters, along with Dereck Lively II, who didn’t record any turnovers in the first half.

Cooper Flagg’s three-point shooting was also solid, silencing any doubts that remained from Summer League, where he shot 3/14 over two games. Both threes were off the dribble, and Flagg looked confident while shooting, proving that he could end up being more deadly as a shooter than previously thought to be.

The 18-year-old was also seen celebrating his teammates’ buckets while he sat the bench, looking like a perfect fit in the Mavericks’ team culture. The forward’s personality was praised throughout the draft process, and he has so far been a relentless worker.

How the Game Went for the Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks opened preseason with a solid 106-89 win against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Fort Worth. Both teams were missing key players – Kyrie Irving for the Mavs and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams – and the Mavericks used their greater depth to take themselves to the win. Dallas particularly capitalized on the size advantage, dominating the paint with a 46-26 scoring, as well as out-rebounding the Thunder 58-43.

Max Christie led the Mavs in scoring with 14 points, and tacked on 12 points from PJ Washington. D’Angelo Russell in particular stood out as a playmaker, assisting on multiple cut plays for Christie. The team established their edge in the second quarter, outscoring the Thunder 37-20, setting the tone for the game by racking up a commanding lead.

The preseason opener showed a glimpse of Flagg’s upcoming potential, as well as how he can fit alongside the rest of the roster and the starters. His performance suggests significant contribution, and complements the team’s veteran presence by injecting a youthful energy into their dynamic.