Cooper Flagg
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Cooper Flagg was drafted No. 1 by the Dallas Mavericks.
Near the midway point of the third quarter of the game between the Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings, Cooper Flagg suffered an injury scare. The Mavs rookie shared an update on his left knee injury after the game.
Speaking to reporters, Flagg shared that he’s feeling pain in his left knee. It’s concerning that the knee is also swollen, but the No. 1 pick of the 2025 NBA draft assured the Mavericks fanbase that there’s nothing to worry about.
“It’s doing good. It’s a little sore and swollen, but it’ll be alright,” Flagg said, via Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News.
Asked how he was able to return to the game two minutes later, Flagg credited his upbringing for not letting pain get in the way:
“Just being tough. That’s how my parents raised me, playing through stuff like that. It’s just kind of how I am.”
Flagg made the game-winning assist to Brandon Williams, who knocked down the go-ahead 3-point shot with around 30 seconds left in the game. The Mavericks were able to hold and earn a 100-98 win.
How Did Flagg Suffer The Injury?
The Dallas Mavericks were on defense around the eight-minute mark of the third period. The Mavericks were down by five points when DeMar DeRozan almost turned the ball over. Maxime Raynaud recovered the ball quickly and passed the ball to Precious Achiuwa.
Achiuwa was being defended by Cooper Flagg, who tried to move his feet laterally as quickly as possible. However, Flagg’s left knee banged with Achiuwa’s left knee, causing him to fall on the floor in pain. The rookie stayed on the ground, clutching his left knee, which prompted coach Jason Kidd to call a timeout.
Flagg was subbed out and replaced by Klay Thompson. Trainers checked up on him on the bench, but he wasn’t brought back to the locker room for further evaluation.
Dallas Hoops Journal’s Grant Afseth reported in real time that Flagg tested his left leg before going on a stationary bike. He was good to go two minutes later, subbing back into the game for Naji Marshall.
Flagg finished the game with 20 points, eight rebounds and six assists on 53.3% shooting from the field. He knocked down two 3-point shots, as well as a clutch bucket with less than a minute left.
Kidd Says Flagg Has Hit The Dreaded Rookie Wall
Before Tuesday’s game against the Sacramento Kings, Cooper Flagg shot just 29.8% from the field. Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd attributed Flagg’s recent struggles to the rookie wall, and he has some sound advice for his young player.
“He’s gotta touch it. He’s gotta rub it and hold it. He’s gotta embrace it. That’s just a mental thing. For the great ones, they touch it; they don’t run from it. They find a way to go over it or through it or around it, because it’s not gonna move,” Kidd said, via Noah Weber of The Smoking Cuban.
The rookie wall is something that young players go through in their first season in the league. It’s the first time in their lives they are playing so many games, plus traveling, workouts, practice and more, stacking up and making their bodies exhausted.