The excitement in Las Vegas was palpable on Thursday night as No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg made his NBA Summer League debut with the Dallas Mavericks against Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
In a back-and-forth battle, the Mavericks pulled out a thrilling 87-85 win after James missed a potential game-winning three-pointer in the final seconds.
Throughout the game, Flagg and James were matched up several times and shared a viral moment when they were seen laughing together after Flagg said something to James while covering his mouth with his jersey.
Following the game, the NBA highlighted their postgame handshake—along with interactions between other players—which quickly gained attention online.
"Postgame daps in Vegas," NBA posted.
Check it out:
Fans reacted to the interaction:
"GG's Cooper putting on a clinic," a fan said.
Another person wrote, "Bronny all day."
Someone else added, "Cooper just told Bronny this was the last game you will ever guard me."
"Cooper Flagg dropping 20 this weekend im gonna bet on it," one more fan commented.
Both Cooper Flagg and Bronny James struggled with efficiency during Thursday night’s matchup, but each showed flashes of potential throughout the game.
Flagg played 32 minutes, finishing with 10 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block, while shooting 5-of-21 from the field and 0-of-5 from beyond the arc.
James, meanwhile, added eight points, two rebounds, and two assists in 21 minutes of action. He shot 2-of-8 from the field as he continues to play under a minutes restriction.