The NBA released its Christmas Day schedule the other day, and it is filled with some of the biggest and most exhilarating teams in the league.
The Dallas Mavericks are set to battle the Golden State Warriors in the middle of the day, which will give basketball fans a chance to witness two Western Conference foes duke it out on the court.
But it will also give Cooper Flagg the opportunity to prove how well his rookie season is going.
According to ClutchPoints, Flagg will be the first No. 1 draft pick to play on Christmas Day as a rookie since LeBron James did it back in 2003.
Did you know…
Cooper Flagg will be the first No. 1 pick to play on Christmas Day as a rookie since LeBron James did it in 2003🎄🏀 pic.twitter.com/NBieNY7WkS
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 13, 2025
Did the league choose the Mavericks to play on Christmas Day just because of Flagg?
Probably not, because there is a bigger storyline revolving around the team.
Just a few months ago, they were reeling from the loss of Luka Doncic, and the future looked beyond bleak.
Then they lost Kyrie Irving to injury, and he could be out for all of 2025-26.
But the other injured players, including Anthony Davis, got healthier, and the team struck gold in the draft, acquiring Flagg.
The Mavericks are looking to prove that they can survive and thrive without Doncic, and that isn’t just about Flagg.
Of course, there is great excitement around the rookie, and he is one of the most thrilling incoming players the league has ever seen.
Yes, people will be tuning in on Christmas because of him, but there is more to pay attention to in Dallas.
The Warriors are looking to prove a lot in 2025-26, too, so this is a game that will garner a ton of attention.
It’ll be a high-stakes and exciting Christmas gift for everyone involved.
NEXT: Nuggets Sign Former Mavericks Forward