Ali Akbar Rosady
DALLAS – Cooper Flagg, the highly anticipated No. 1 overall pick, showcased his burgeoning talent on Friday night, delivering a career-high 29 points to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a dramatic 118-115 comeback win against the New Orleans Pelicans at the American Airlines Center. The victory marked a significant turn in Flagg’s burgeoning rivalry with former Montverde Academy teammate Derik Queen, a fellow rookie lottery pick, and offered a poignant contrast to their previous encounter earlier this month.
Just weeks prior, Flagg had struggled to conceal his frustration after missing a potential tying pull-up jumper in the waning seconds of the Mavericks’ loss to Queen’s Pelicans, a moment that had left a bitter taste. However, the atmosphere was entirely different on this occasion. Flagg was beaming as he exchanged a hug with Queen after the final buzzer, having orchestrated a sensational fourth-quarter performance that included 12 of his 29 points.
The narrative of "full circle," as Queen himself described it, resonated deeply. This time, it was Queen who faced the agony of a missed opportunity, air-balling a 3-pointer on the Pelicans’ final possession that could have forced overtime. It was an unfortunate conclusion to what had otherwise been a stellar outing for Queen, who finished with an impressive stat line of 20 points, seven rebounds, and a career-high 11 assists. "I [saw] him laugh at me," Queen recounted of his postgame interaction with Flagg, his former high school peer. "That’s probably what he was laughing at, but yo, that’s crazy. Full circle."
The game itself was a testament to the unpredictable nature of the NBA, particularly for a Mavericks squad that has struggled with consistency in the early part of the season. Dallas, entering the contest with a disappointing 5-12 record, found themselves trailing by as many as 15 points in the first half. Queen, the 20-year-old Pelicans rookie, was instrumental in New Orleans’ early dominance, particularly with his exceptional playmaking. He registered an astonishing seven assists in the first quarter alone, dissecting the Mavericks’ defense and setting up his teammates for easy scores. His vision and passing ability, a hallmark of his game, posed significant problems for Dallas throughout the initial periods.
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By halftime, the Mavericks were down 14 points, prompting a critical challenge from head coach Jason Kidd to his young star. Kidd urged Flagg to be more aggressive in attacking the paint, rather than settling for jumpers, which he noted were still a "work in progress" for the 18-year-old forward. Flagg, who had missed the Mavericks’ previous game against the New York Knicks due to an illness, responded with remarkable maturity and determination.
The second half saw a completely transformed Flagg. He erupted for 21 points on an incredibly efficient 8-of-9 shooting from the field after the break. Crucially, all but one of his baskets in the second half came from within the paint, demonstrating his commitment to Kidd’s directive. The lone exception was a turnaround jump shot from the block, a move born out of instinct and precision. Flagg’s ability to drive to the rim, finish through contact, and draw fouls put immense pressure on the Pelicans’ interior defense, shifting the momentum firmly in Dallas’s favor.
The fourth quarter evolved into a captivating personal duel between the two former Montverde stars. After Queen’s running hook shot gave New Orleans a slim lead with 3:12 remaining, setting the stage for a tense finish, Flagg took over. He either scored or assisted on five of the Mavericks’ final eight possessions, showcasing his versatility as both a scorer and a facilitator. This decisive stretch included six points and two critical assists, most notably a pinpoint pass to Naji Marshall for a crucial 3-pointer that gave the Mavericks the lead for good with just 32 seconds left on the clock. The American Airlines Center crowd erupted, sensing a pivotal victory was within reach for their struggling team.
Flagg’s performance in the clutch situations this season has been a significant bright spot for the Mavericks. Despite the team’s overall difficulty in closing out games, Flagg has consistently demonstrated a remarkable fearlessness in high-pressure moments. He currently ranks tied for sixth in the league with 31 points on 10-of-16 shooting in clutch situations, defined as the final five minutes of regulation or overtime with the score within five points. Furthermore, his impact extends beyond scoring, as he is tied for second in rebounds (14) and fifth in assists (six) in these critical junctures.
Coach Kidd lauded Flagg’s composure under pressure. "Clutch [situations], he’s not afraid," Kidd commented. "We get him the ball, and he seems like he’s been there before. Being able to score when you need a bucket, when everyone knows that you’re coming to him, he’s deliberate. For an 18-year-old, that’s pretty special." Kidd’s remarks underscore the unique poise Flagg exhibits, a trait rarely seen in rookies, let alone players of his age.
Beyond the head-to-head battle, Flagg’s statistical achievements from Friday night placed him in elite company. He finished with 20 points scored in the paint, making him the second-youngest player in NBA history to achieve that feat, according to ESPN Research. Only LeBron James, who accomplished it at 18 years, 334 days old, was younger than Flagg on Friday night. Additionally, Flagg, who also recorded seven rebounds and five assists, joined James as the only 18-year-olds in NBA history to register at least 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists in a single game. These comparisons, while early in his career, highlight the extraordinary potential Flagg possesses.
Mavericks forward P.J. Washington, who contributed 24 points and nine rebounds himself, offered high praise for his rookie teammate. "He’s blossoming into who we all know he is," Washington stated. "Just being himself, taking on the big moments and converting. Getting to the paint, getting to his spots and making the right decision each and every time." Washington’s comments reflect the growing confidence within the Mavericks locker room regarding Flagg’s development and his increasing impact on the team.
The shared history between Flagg and Queen at Montverde Academy, a renowned basketball powerhouse known for producing elite NBA talent, added another layer of intrigue to their professional matchups. Both players arrived in the NBA with significant expectations, Flagg as the consensus top pick and Queen as a highly touted lottery selection. Their early career encounters are already shaping up to be a compelling rivalry, characterized by competitive fire and mutual respect.
For the Mavericks, this hard-fought victory against a competitive Pelicans squad (who currently hold a more favorable record in the Western Conference) provides a much-needed boost. At 5-12, every win is crucial for Dallas to gain momentum and climb out of the early-season slump. Flagg’s ability to consistently deliver in the clutch offers a beacon of hope for a team that has frequently faltered in closing situations.
Looking ahead, the Dallas Mavericks will aim to build on this performance as they host the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, followed by a challenging road trip to face the Houston Rockets. Meanwhile, Derik Queen and the New Orleans Pelicans will return home to host the Los Angeles Lakers before embarking on a journey to San Antonio to take on the Spurs. The ongoing development of these two promising rookies will undoubtedly be a storyline to watch as the NBA season progresses.
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