The Dallas Mavericks finally found relief Sunday night, and it arrived through the hands of an 18-year-old who continues to rewrite expectations in real time.
Rookie forward Cooper Flagg delivered the strongest performance of his young career, finishing with 21 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two blocks in a 138–133 overtime win over the Portland Trail Blazers. It was the type of night that many inside the organization believed was coming, and for more on why Flagg’s night drew early career LeBron James parallels, read a breakdown of how the No. 1 pick elevated his game to a historic level Sunday night.
The victory snapped a three-game skid for Dallas and prevented an 0–4 homestand, offering a rare bright moment during a stormy opening month marked by injuries, roster instability and the firing of Nico Harrison.
Flagg shows star potential at just 18
Flagg’s night started quietly. He attempted three shots in the first half and entered the break with only two points, while Portland leaned on Deni Avdija and Jerami Grant to maintain control. But everything changed in the third quarter, when the rookie unlocked the blend of playmaking, poise and physicality that made him the most coveted prospect in the 2025 draft.
He erupted for 10 third-quarter points, highlighted by a mid-court steal followed by a behind-the-back dribble in transition and a Euro-step finish through contact for a three-point play. Moments later, he provided one of the loudest moments of the night: a two-handed dunk on the break after catching a behind-the-back feed from Brandon Williams.
Flagg continued to rise to the moment in overtime, contributing four points, two rebounds and an assist. His full-court outlet to P.J. Washington for a transition dunk with 1:39 left pushed Dallas ahead 132–129 and shifted momentum decisively.
Dallas closes strong behind balanced scoring
Flagg was one of seven Mavericks to finish in double figures. Washington matched him with 21 points, Daniel Gafford added 20, and Klay Thompson scored 19 off the bench while hitting five threes.
Gafford played a crucial role late, blocking Shaedon Sharpe at the rim in overtime and sinking two free throws on the next trip down the floor. Thompson continued his resurgence off the bench, spacing the floor and stabilizing Dallas during long stretches.
Blazers’ road trip ends in heartbreak
Portland closed its five-game road trip with another painful loss, its fifth defeat in seven outings. The Blazers played without Jrue Holiday and several rotation pieces but received massive production from their young core.
Shaedon Sharpe scored 36 points, though he needed 32 attempts. Avdija added 29, and Grant finished with 26, helping Portland lead 91–85 entering the fourth. The Blazers briefly regained control in the final minutes, but Sharpe missed a contested three late in overtime and Grant misfired on another potential tying attempt.
A needed moment in Dallas
The Mavericks improved to 4–10, avoiding what would have been their worst home start in years. The win arrived after a week defined by front-office turmoil, fan frustration and ongoing questions about Anthony Davis’ injury.
Flagg’s performance provided much-needed optimism. His poise, versatility and command in the second half offered a glimpse of the franchise cornerstone talent Dallas believed it was drafting in June.
What’s next?
Portland returns home to host the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday.
Dallas travels to Minnesota on Monday to begin a road back-to-back.
