FORT WORTH, Texas (Oct. 6, 2025) — The hype surrounding Cooper Flagg finally hit the hardwood Monday night, and the rookie didn’t disappoint. In his much-anticipated NBA preseason debut, the No. 1 overall pick helped the Dallas Mavericks secure a 106–89 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, marking the beginning of what many believe could be a transformative new era for the franchise.
Flagg Era Begins in Dallas
Flagg, the 19-year-old phenom out of Duke University, played just 14 minutes in his first professional appearance but made every second count. The forward tallied 10 points and six rebounds, shooting an efficient 3-of-6 from the field and showing flashes of the all-around talent that made him the most coveted player in the 2025 NBA Draft.
While his debut minutes were limited, the moment was monumental — both for Flagg and a Mavericks fan base eager to see what life after Luka Dončić looks like.
“It felt good to finally get out there,” Flagg said postgame. “I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time. I just wanted to play my game, keep the energy up, and help my team however I could.”
Mavs Start Fast, Thunder Falter Early
Dallas came out firing on all cylinders, racing to a 26-point halftime lead after holding Oklahoma City to a frigid 13-of-49 shooting in the first half. The Mavericks’ defensive intensity — anchored by a surprisingly cohesive frontcourt that included Flagg, Dereck Lively II, and Grant Williams — suffocated the Thunder’s perimeter attack.
Veteran guard Kyrie Irving led Dallas offensively, orchestrating a balanced first-half assault that saw five Mavericks score at least six points before intermission. The Thunder, meanwhile, struggled to find rhythm, as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren were both held in check during limited minutes.
Despite a third-quarter surge from Oklahoma City, which outscored Dallas 29–19 and opened the fourth on a 21–11 run, the Mavericks’ early cushion proved insurmountable. Coach Jason Kidd’s squad closed the game with poise, maintaining defensive discipline and controlling the boards to secure a 17-point victory.
A Glimpse of What’s to Come
Monday night’s game didn’t count in the standings, but it offered an important glimpse of the Mavericks’ future — one centered around a generational rookie whose two-way potential has already drawn comparisons to legends.
Flagg’s ability to create off the dribble, rebound in traffic, and defend multiple positions stood out, even in a limited sample. His court vision and calm demeanor also impressed Kidd, who said the staff will be careful in managing the rookie’s preseason workload.
“He’s got poise beyond his years,” Kidd said. “He doesn’t force things. He lets the game come to him. For a 19-year-old in his first NBA game, he looked comfortable — and that’s all you can ask for right now.”
Flagg’s debut comes less than three months after the Mavericks made franchise history by winning the NBA Draft Lottery for the first time, despite having just a 1.8% chance at the top pick. The move has re-energized a Dallas fan base that endured turbulence following the departure of Dončić earlier in the year.
Looking Ahead
The Mavericks’ win gives them a confidence boost heading into the remainder of the preseason, with two more exhibition matchups scheduled before the regular season opener on Oct. 22 against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs — a matchup already being billed as the first of many future showdowns between the NBA’s next great young stars.
Flagg’s NBA journey is just beginning, but if his debut was any indication, Dallas may have found its new cornerstone.
“He’s the kind of player who can change the direction of a franchise,” said Irving. “You see it in his approach, his confidence, the way he carries himself. This is just the start.”
For the Mavericks, it wasn’t just a preseason win — it was the first glimpse of a promising new chapter.
