The top rookies of the 2025 Draft Class went head-to-head this Saturday.
Saturday night has been circled on many NBA fans’ calendars as the first official meeting between Cooper Flagg and VJ Edgecombe. With how great they've been performing thus far, both sensations are the current favorites to win the 2025-26 Rookie of the Year award.
Cooper Flagg
Cooper Flagg
Cooper Flagg
MIN: 34.22
PTS: 18.59 (55.58%)
REB: 6.44
As: 3.56
ST: 1.3
BL: 0.81
TO: 2.07
GM: 27
Right after the game, Flagg offered compelling words about his rookie showdown with Edgecombe.
"I think we both played a solid game," Flagg told Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News. "He played a really good game. He was aggressive. Got to his spots and rose up. I knew that's what he was capable of. He's a great player. Been playing against him for a couple years live now, competing at a really high level.
"I know the competitor that he is and the level he brings every single night. I knew what to expect coming in."
As it is, Edgecombe got the last laugh as his 26 points were instrumental in the Sixers' 121-114 victory. Flagg, on his own, also had a solid game for the Mavs with 24 points.
Eventually, the two approached each other and posed for a photo as they swapped jerseys. Despite their intense approach on the hardwood, both Flagg and Edgecombe have established a strong relationship off the court.
Both Flagg and Edgecombe will meet again on the first day of 2026 as the 76ers will visit Dallas for a regular-season rematch with the Mavs.
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