Cooper Flagg has seen plenty in his rookie season, but Wednesday night offered a test. The Dallas Mavericks forward scored 26 points in a 142–135 loss to the Denver Nuggets, then found himself explaining what it’s like to match up against Nikola Jokić after a historic performance.
Jokić delivered another absurd line: 23 points, 21 rebounds, and 19 assists — becoming the first player in NBA history to record at least 20 points, 17 rebounds, and 17 assists in consecutive games. It was his 30th triple‑double of the season, joining Russell Westbrook as the only players ever with multiple 30‑triple‑double seasons.
Flagg didn’t pretend the comparison was close.
“I think I can learn a lot from him — just how he reads the game,” Flagg said. “But I don’t know if anyone can get to that level. It’s incredible how he impacts the game. Sometimes it feels like he’s not even trying, and he ends up with 20-20-20. It’s crazy to be out there and see how he affects everything.”
Jokić entered the night averaging 27.8 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.8 assists across 58 games, with eight All‑Star selections, seven All‑NBA honors, and the 2023 championship — where he was both Western Conference Finals and Finals MVP.
P.J. Washington said the Mavericks’ approach doesn’t change, even if the results often do.
“At this point, everybody’s used to it. We know how good he is,” P.J. Washington said. “You just try not to foul, contest as best you can, and push the ball on misses to make him run. He’s one of the best.”
Flagg continues to strengthen his Rookie of the Year case, now averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists through 61 games.
Jason Kidd offered the shortest scouting report of the night.
“You can’t stop him. You’re not going to stop him,” Kidd said of Jokić. “You just try to give him different looks.”
Jokić, meanwhile, kept it simple — something many players can learn from. It’s not about playing beautifully. It’s about getting the job done.
“I don’t know if it’s beautiful,” he said. “When we pass around and get open looks, it’s beautiful, but is it really important? I would rather just win games than play beautiful.”
Flagg was not listed on the injury report for Friday’s game in Portland, a positive sign after he left Wednesday’s game with his right hand heavily wrapped and iced. The Mavericks face the Trail Blazers on Friday night.
More Dallas Mavericks Coverage After the Loss in Denver
- ‘Get Ready For The Next One’: Cooper Flagg Addresses Right Hand Injury After Dallas Mavericks’ Loss To Denver Nuggets
- New NBA Mock Draft Links Dallas Mavericks To Guard Compared To Jamal Murray
- ‘I Like Making The Right Play’: Cooper Flagg Shows Decision‑Making Beyond His Years As NBA’s Youngest Player
- Dallas Mavericks Hope To Hire Permanent General Manager Before NBA Draft, Rick Welts Says
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