Cooper Flagg Struggles in Loss to Oklahoma City, Injures Shoulder

Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg experienced a tough outing in his team’s 101-94 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday. Flagg injured his left shoulder on the first possession of the game and spent much of the crucial final moments on the bench due to a coach’s decision. Despite scoring 22 points in the previous game against the Toronto Raptors, Flagg’s performance was lackluster, finishing with only two points on 1-of-9 shooting.

Flagg, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, wore a heat wrap on his left shoulder while sitting on the bench throughout much of the game. Although he received treatment during the game and iced the injury afterward, he remained optimistic that he would be available for the Mavericks’ next home game. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd defended his decision to keep the rookie out during crunch time, citing the team’s need for the best possible chance to win.

This game highlighted the challenges of a young player adjusting to the NBA while dealing with both physical setbacks and the pressures of high-level competition. Flagg accepted the coach’s decision to sit him out in the final minutes, acknowledging that the team was in a better position with other players on the floor. With scans planned for his shoulder, Flagg expressed confidence that he would bounce back for the next game.

Flagg’s ability to handle adversity at such a young age was evident throughout the game. Despite his struggles, he showed maturity by supporting his teammates from the bench, cheering them on during the crucial moments. His commitment to the team’s success over individual performance reflects a team-first mentality, a characteristic that bodes well for his future growth in the NBA. With a clear focus on recovery and improvement, Flagg’s resilience and mindset suggest that he will continue to develop both physically and mentally as he navigates the challenges of his rookie season.

1. Injury and Early Struggles

Cooper Flagg’s game started with promise, but his performance quickly faltered after a shoulder injury on the opening possession. Flagg was involved in a physical play while boxing out an opponent, which he believes led to the injury. The rookie forward struggled throughout the game, making only 1-of-9 shots from the field. His lack of scoring and his inability to contribute in other areas, such as assists, left the Mavericks searching for answers as the game unfolded. The Mavericks were coming off a strong win over the Toronto Raptors, where Flagg had impressed with 22 points, and expectations were high for his performance against Oklahoma City. However, the injury seemed to hinder his usual explosiveness and rhythm. In addition to his poor shooting, Flagg grabbed just two rebounds and failed to register any assists. He admitted afterward that he felt “flat” during the game, attributing his lackluster performance to the challenges of playing the second game in a back-to-back situation. Despite the struggles, Flagg remained composed. He acknowledged that his injury, though painful, wasn’t severe and was more of a nuisance than a major setback. He hoped the issue would subside quickly with rest and treatment, but the injury still hampered his ability to play at the level he’s accustomed to. Flagg’s self-awareness about his performance allowed him to reflect on the situation without frustration. Coach Kidd did not hide his disappointment but also recognized Flagg’s efforts despite the injury. “It wasn’t his night tonight,” Kidd said, noting that the rookie was not playing up to his potential. However, Kidd emphasized that Flagg’s toughness—playing through the injury—was something that stood out to him as a sign of his character.

2. Bench Role in Crunch Time

As the game progressed, Dallas found itself facing a significant deficit. The Mavericks trailed the Thunder by as many as 22 points before making a late push in the final minutes of the game. Flagg, however, was sidelined for the majority of the crunch time. He checked out of the game with 8:14 remaining and was substituted back in for only a few defensive possessions in the final moments. Coach Kidd made the strategic decision to keep Flagg off the floor, opting to go with a lineup that had been playing well and had helped narrow the Thunder’s lead. The decision to bench Flagg during the final stretch of the game, while difficult for the rookie, was based on the team’s need for fresh energy and optimal performance in a critical situation. Kidd credited the group on the floor for their resilience, noting that they helped put the team in a position to compete despite Flagg’s struggles. Flagg accepted the decision without complaint, understanding that the team was playing better without him at that point in the game. “We had a group out there that was doing really well,” Flagg said, reflecting on the coach’s choice. “It was an easy decision for Coach. He was just out there trying to win the game.” Flagg’s maturity in dealing with this situation demonstrated a level of professionalism that belies his age and experience. Despite sitting out during the crucial moments, Flagg was still an active presence on the bench, cheering for his teammates. His support for the team, even in tough circumstances, further highlighted his understanding of his role and his commitment to the collective success of the Mavericks. It’s clear that Flagg values team success above personal accolades, which bodes well for his future in the league.

3. Looking Ahead to Recovery

Flagg’s injury has raised some concerns, but he remains optimistic about his recovery. The rookie forward is scheduled for scans to assess the extent of the shoulder issue, though he believes it to be a minor injury. Flagg’s positive attitude is a key part of his resilience, and he is hopeful that he will be able to suit up for the Mavericks’ next game against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. Coach Kidd, while acknowledging the injury, emphasized that the team would take a cautious approach with Flagg’s health. The Mavericks want to ensure that the young player recovers fully before returning to the floor. “We’re going to make sure everything’s good,” Kidd said. “We’ll take care of him and make sure he’s ready when he’s 100%.” The careful management of Flagg’s health will be crucial, as the Mavericks look to build around him for the future. Flagg’s rookie season has been filled with high expectations, and while his performance against the Thunder was disappointing, it’s clear that he has the maturity and mental fortitude to overcome setbacks. His ability to reflect on his performance and his understanding of team dynamics will be valuable as he continues to grow in his NBA career. Looking ahead, the Mavericks are optimistic about Flagg’s potential, and they are confident that the young forward will quickly recover and continue to develop. His ability to contribute to the team, both on and off the court, will be key to Dallas’ success this season and beyond.