The Dallas Mavericks’ preseason campaign suffered a setback on Saturday as they fell 120-116 to the Charlotte Hornets. While several of the team’s established stars appeared out of rhythm, rookie forward Cooper Flagg provided a rare highlight.
The 18-year-old, selected first overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, finished with 11 points, four assists, three rebounds, and three steals in 24 minutes of play.
Despite his efficient showing, Flagg later acknowledged that developing on-court chemistry with veteran big man Anthony Davis remains a work in progress.
Flagg, who joined the Mavericks as the centerpiece of their rebuild, was one of the few players to sustain energy throughout the contest.
His defensive activity and ability to create plays in transition stood out, even as Dallas struggled collectively on both ends of the floor.
The Hornets capitalized on early offensive runs and maintained control of the paint for most of the game, exposing gaps in the Mavericks’ defensive coordination.
In his postgame remarks, Flagg described the adjustment process of sharing the floor with Davis, who joined the team during the offseason. “It’s a different game and a different spacing,” he said.
“I’ve got to find ways to help AD more, play off him better, and make sure I’m helping him impact the game when he’s posting up or isolating.”
His comments suggested an awareness of the spacing challenges and timing issues that can arise when two high-impact players learn to coexist within a new offensive system.
Learning curve for Dallas’ new core
The Mavericks’ defeat highlighted broader concerns about lineup balance and chemistry heading into the regular season.
Davis, typically known for his defensive presence and scoring efficiency, struggled to establish rhythm on the low block, often facing double-teams and miscommunications on entry passes. Dallas’ rebounding also faltered, allowing Charlotte numerous second-chance opportunities that ultimately defined the outcome.
While Dallas fans had hoped to see early signs of cohesion between Flagg and Davis, the pair’s brief moments of connection-such as a lob sequence that ended in a Davis dunk-were isolated rather than consistent.
Head coach Jason Kidd has emphasized patience, noting that the team’s offensive structure remains under development and that integrating a rookie primary playmaker will take time.
Planting the Flagg in Dallas’ future
Flagg’s individual performance, however, reinforced why the Mavericks view him as a cornerstone for the franchise’s future. His ability to anticipate plays defensively and facilitate offense through quick reads continues to draw attention around the league.
Analysts have pointed to his composure and versatility as early indicators of a high basketball IQ uncommon for a first-year player.
The Mavericks will continue their preseason schedule next week with the focus on improving defensive discipline and building chemistry between their new core players.
For Flagg, the next step lies in aligning his dynamic skill set with Davis’ interior dominance-a relationship that, if refined, could define the team’s long-term success.
Saturday’s loss may have underscored the challenges of transition, but it also offered a glimpse of promise. Flagg’s performance, coupled with his willingness to self-critique, reflected both his maturity and his readiness to adapt to the demands of the professional game.
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