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HomeDallas Mavericks‘It’s The Most I’ve Lost’: Cooper Flagg Reflects On Dallas Mavericks’ Tough Start And Early Lessons
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‘It’s The Most I’ve Lost’: Cooper Flagg Reflects On Dallas Mavericks’ Tough Start And Early Lessons

Grant AfsethGrant Afsethno comment
Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks, NBA
Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

For Cooper Flagg, the first month of his NBA career has already tested his patience. The 18-year-old forward has emerged as a bright spot for the Dallas Mavericks, but the team’s 2–6 start has brought challenges he’s never experienced before.

After Wednesday’s 101–99 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, Flagg admitted that adjusting to the NBA grind has been a mental hurdle as much as a physical one.

“For me, it’s the most I’ve lost since, I think, ever,” Flagg said. “It’s obviously a lot different. But I wouldn’t say anybody’s happy. Guys are obviously trying to stay level-headed. We’ve got a lot more games to go, but it’s not fun losing. Hopefully. we can start making steps in the right direction.”

Flagg scored 20 points on 8-of-19 shooting with nine rebounds, three steals and two blocks, narrowly missing a chance to tie the game when his 15-foot runner hit the back rim in the final seconds. It was another strong individual outing for the No. 1 pick, whose production continues to climb even as the Mavericks struggle to find wins.

Head coach Jason Kidd said the rookie’s growth has been evident each time he takes the floor.

“He’s comfortable,” Kidd said. “You can see he’s grown each time he’s taken the floor. And tonight he was great — being able to rebound, defend, create for others and for himself. He had a great look that just didn’t go down.”

Despite the missed shot, Flagg became the youngest player in NBA history to record at least 20 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks in a game. He also joined Mark Aguirre, Luka Dončić and Jamal Mashburn as the only Mavericks to score in double figures in at least seven of their first eight career games.

Cooper Flagg is Finding Confidence and Perspective

While the numbers show rapid progress, Flagg’s poise and accountability have stood out just as much.

Teammate Max Christie said Flagg’s willingness to take on responsibility at a young age has already earned him respect in the locker room.

“He’s learning through experience,” Christie said. “It’s not easy being in those moments, but he’s handled them well. He’s aggressive, confident, and you can see he wants to win. That rubs off on everybody.”

Flagg said adapting to the highs and lows of an 82-game schedule has been part of his learning curve.

“It’s different,” Flagg said. “You have to get used to playing more games and learning from every one of them. But I’m not used to losing this much. It’s motivation to get better.”

Jason Kidd Sees Leadership Qualities Emerging

Kidd said the young forward’s reaction to losses shows a mindset coaches look for in future leaders.

“He’s not afraid of the moment,” Kidd said. “You see it in how he attacks the rim, how he defends, how he carries himself. The losing hurts him, which is good. That’s how leaders start to form.”

The Mavericks remain without Anthony Davis (left calf strain) and Dereck Lively II (right knee sprain), and Kidd acknowledged the team is leaning on Flagg’s energy and versatility to keep things competitive.

“We fought and put ourselves in a position to tie that game,” Kidd said. “That’s all you can ask. We just have to keep shooting, keep defending, and the results will come.”

For Flagg, that patience will be tested again as Dallas heads to Memphis on Friday looking to halt its skid. But even amid the losses, the rookie said his focus remains steady.

“Nobody’s happy,” he said. “It’s not fun losing. We just have to keep working and start moving in the right direction.”

The Mavericks begin a road back-to-back on Friday against the Grizzlies, then face the Wizards on Saturday.

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Tags :Cooper FlaggDallas MavericksJason KiddKlay ThompsonMax ChristieNBANBA NewsP.J. Washington

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Grant Afseth

Grant Afseth

Senior Writer
Grant Afseth is a Senior Writer for DallasHoopsJournal.com, where he leads in-depth coverage of the Mavericks, Wings, and more. Between a focus on the latest news, closer looks at games, front office strategy, and more, Afseth provides objective coverage. Afseth contributes broader NBA coverage across platforms and has been cited in national outlets for his reporting and analysis. With nearly a decade of journalism experience, Afseth has covered the NBA and WNBA for multiple major outlets, including Athlon Sports, BallIsLife, Sportskeeda, and RG.org. He previously reported on the Indiana Pacers for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and the Mavericks for FanNation.
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