The Dallas Mavericks are very likely out of playoff contention for the remainder of this 2025-26 season, but there is a lot to look forward to with Cooper Flagg having a stellar rookie season.
That rookie season got a scare on Friday night when the Mavs took on the Boston Celtics. Early in the first quarter, Cooper went for a flag layup and was fouled, but he landed awkwardly and immediately grabbed his ankle in pain.
Flagg stood up with the help of his teammates and limped to the Celtics bench for a timeout.
It looked like Cooper Flagg injured his leg after going down after a foul. #nba #Different #celtics #MFFL #MFFLAGG pic.twitter.com/dTT7g2hARC
- ZeroChillSports (@ZeroChillSports) 7 March 2026
After the timeout, Cooper Flagg came back onto the floor, advanced to the free throw line, knocked down both free throws with ease, and remained in the game and played well without any problems.
Friday night's game is the homecoming game for Maine native Cooper Flagg. He is the third player in NBA history from Maine to play in the NBA, joining current Detroit Pistons guard/forward Duncan Robinson as well as former Nets and Magic forward Jeff Turner.
"I think it's great that his family is here," Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said of Cooper Flagg's return to the New England area. "Not just his mom, dad and brother, but other people will also be able to watch him play in person tonight. It's exciting. Hopefully he can perform well and we understand that it's not easy playing against this team, because they understand big games and big situations, and so it's a big challenge for him."
In seven minutes of the first quarter, the Mavs rookie finished the period with six points, one rebound and one steal on 2 of 5 shooting from the field.
