Tonight’s preseason game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder wasn’t a playoff game. However, the Dickies Arena lit up, and the crowd laid their eyeballs on one man – Cooper Flagg. The question wasn’t about Flagg’s ability to play but about when he would fit in. And boy, there are promising signs for the Mavericks fans.

Within minutes, the crowd had its answer. Flagg finished his preseason debut with 10 points on 3/6 shooting, as well as 2/3 from deep. He also added six rebounds, three assists, and a block in the Mavericks’ blowout 106-89 win over the Thunder. No panic, no wasted movements. Just the kind of efficient, mature play that doesn’t announce itself, yet commands attention.

The plays weren’t flashy, but his all-around stat line illustrates his contribution on all ends of the floor for a Mavericks squad looking to contend for a championship. Flagg started the game alongside the projected regular season starters, and he looked natural out there next to Klay Thompson and D’Angelo Russell. One possession in particular stood out: Flagg grabbed a defensive rebound and quickly pushed the ball up the court, then shot a pinpoint assist to PJ Washington for a corner three.

Dallas head coach Jason Kidd made it clear before Summer League that he wanted Flagg to orchestrate. He looked comfortable with the ball in his hands and made the right play every time. In fact, Flagg was one of two starters, along with Dereck Lively II, who didn’t record any turnovers in the first half. It’s not just about flashy passes or streaky scorers; sometimes, decision-making is a fashionable statement in the NBA.

Cooper Flagg’s three-point shooting looked polished, silencing any doubts that remained from Summer League, where he shot 3/14 over two games. Both threes were off the dribble, and Flagg looked assured while shooting, proving he could be more deadly as a shooter than previously thought.

The 18-year-old came into view by hyping up his teammates, who drained buckets, looking like a perfect fit in the Mavericks’ team culture. The draft process acknowledged the forward’s personality, underscoring the importance of attitude with skill set.

How the game went for the Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks opened the preseason with a solid 106-89 win against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Fort Worth. Both teams were missing key players – Kyrie Irving for the Mavericks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams – but the Mavericks used their greater depth to take themselves to the win. Dallas capitalized on the size advantage, dominating the paint with a 46-24 scoring and out-rebounding the Thunder 58-43.

P.J. Washington led the Mavs in scoring with 14 points, and Max Christie and Jaden Hardy added 12 points. D’Angelo Russell, in particular, stood out as a playmaker, assisting on multiple cut plays for Christie. The team established its edge in the second quarter, outscoring the Thunder 37-20, setting the tone for the game by racking up a commanding lead.

The preseason opener showed a glimpse of Flagg’s upcoming potential and how he can fit alongside the rest of the roster and the starters. His performance suggests a significant contribution and complements the team’s veteran presence by injecting youthful energy into their dynamic. Overall, Mavericks fans have a new player who could potentially erase the disappointment of Luka Doncic leaving for the Lakers.