Cooper Flagg called his NBA Summer League debut "one of the worst games" of his life, but remained optimistic, focusing on the win and the learning experience.
Credit: AP/Scanpix nuotr.
Dallas Mavericks prospect Cooper Flagg made his unofficial NBA debut Thursday night against Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers on the opening night of the Las Vegas Summer League.
2-pointers this season
Dallas Mavericks
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The No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft finished with 10 points on 5-for-21 shooting, including 0-for-5 from three-point range. He added six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and a block in the Mavs' narrow 87–85 win.
"Not up to my standard," Flagg shared his initial reaction post-game on NBA TV. "I'm going to regroup. I'm going to be all right. It's a new feeling, a new environment, and new teammates."
"I would say that might be one of the worst games of my life," Flagg later admitted to reporters, via Grant Afseth. "But we got the win, so that's what really matters to me. My teammates — they held it down. They did what they had to do. I'm just glad we got the win."
The former Duke standout noted the major differences between college basketball and the NBA.
"It's just a different game — different spacing, different guys," Flagg also said of the transition from training camp to live action. "A lot of players are in different parts of their careers, coming from different angles. So it's about meshing that all together, figuring out what works and what doesn't."
The Lakers made Flagg uncomfortable early, applying full-court pressure and sending multiple defenders at him. Still, the 18-year-old welcomed the challenge.
"For sure, that's what a lot of people are going to do," he said. "I know that coming in. I feel like I can handle that type of pressure. I don't think I did a terrible job. Shots weren't falling, but that's going to happen. It is somewhat new to me. I probably haven't taken that many shots before, so I'm trying to figure it out."
With the win, Dallas improves to 1–0 in Summer League play and will return to action on Saturday.
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