DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night, earning a 116-114 overtime win. Cooper Flagg had another big game after scoring a career-high 42 points on Monday against the Utah Jazz. Flagg finished Thursday's game with 23 points while shooting 8-20 from the field. He added 10 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and one steal. Flagg also had a plus-16 plus-minus.
Cooper Flagg discusses how the Mavericks have continued to improve and what it will require to keep playing an improved brand of basketball. pic.twitter.com/oJP2lGQa4c
— Joey Mistretta (@JoeyMistretta_) December 19, 2025
Expand Tweet
“Just focusing on each individual day… Showing up, putting in reps, putting in the work and knowing that every opportunity and experience right now is only going to help us in the long run,” Flagg said of how the Mavs can continue to build on their current momentum after a slow start to the season. “Whenever we turn this thing around, and I think we have started in that direction, it's going to make it a lot sweeter, knowing the way we started it. I'm just looking forward to continuing to grow each and every day.
“I think the wins will continue to come if we just focus on that stuff.”
Article Continues Below
Cooper Flagg continues to take steps forward as an all-around player. He made a significant impact on both ends of the floor against the Pistons. He continues to impress head coach Jason Kidd as well.
“In the red zone, understanding he finds a way, scoring or making a play,” Kidd said of Flagg. “He did it tonight, coming down the stretch, got him the ball, he scores, then he makes a heck of a play with the bounce back to AD (Anthony Davis) for an easy two… In the winning situation he has stepped up every time. It's good to see.
“We're finally starting to win some close games here. It's a happy locker room.”
The Mavs' next game is scheduled for Saturday night in Philadelphia against the 76ers. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 PM EST.