Cooper Flagg went through his shooting routine Wednesday morning with the same calm that has marked his surprising rise through the NBA’s opening months. A few hours earlier, the league announced he had been named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month for October and November — the first such honor of his career and the 13th in Mavericks history.
After shootaround, Flagg spoke about the award, the accelerated pace of his first 20 games, and how the Mavericks have begun to find their rhythm after back-to-back wins.
Flagg averaged 16.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.4 steals in 33.9 minutes through 20 starts, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to record both a 35-point game and a double-digit assist game within a 48-hour span. His 48 clutch points during October and November ranked fourth-most in the league, and he led all players in clutch field-goal percentage at 56%.
When asked whether he pays attention to the early accolades, Flagg kept the moment in perspective.
“You obviously see pretty much everything on social media and stuff, so it’s definitely pretty cool,” Flagg said. “So, you know, I’m just blessed.”
Cooper Flagg is Staying Grounded Through the Pressure
Flagg has already been essential in late-game situations — he leads the NBA in clutch minutes — and has recorded five games of 20 points or more before his 19th birthday, passing Kobe Bryant for second-most among players age 18 or younger.
He said the biggest adjustment has been ignoring outside expectations.
“I think I’ve done fine, just staying grounded and not worrying about outside pressures,” Flagg said. “Just worrying about the thoughts and the pressures from my teammates and my coaches.”
When asked who has helped him navigate these early weeks, he pointed to his inner circle and the Mavericks’ veteran core.
“I think the person that’s helped navigated the most has been obviously my family,” Flagg said. “But I think just some of our vets — Klay, Kai, AD — those guys have been huge for just helping me, for sure.”
Dallas Mavericks Finding Their Offensive Rhythm
Dallas is coming off its most complete offensive stretch of the season. Anthony Davis scored 32 points in Monday’s win at Denver, Ryan Nembhard delivered 28 points and 10 assists, and Flagg added 24 as the Mavericks shot 16-of-31 from deep to secure their first win streak of the year.
Flagg said the performances reflect a group that is beginning to understand how pieces fit around each other.
“We’re meshing together,” Flagg said. “Guys are trying to figure out their roles and those roles are kind of getting defined. Everybody’s sacrificing and putting the team first. Whatever’s best for the team. So I think it’s going well.”
Life in the Clutch — and the Challenge of So Many Close Games
Despite leading the league in clutch minutes, Flagg admitted that it’s not a category he enjoys topping.
“I don’t like a lot about it,” Flagg said. “I would rather not be in a lot of close games. I’d rather that we weren’t in so many really close games coming down to the wire. But I think it’s good experiences for us just to be in those minutes and just go through it as a team.”
Flagg’s numbers in those spots have been elite, and the Mavericks have leaned heavily on him late as they try to climb out of their early-season hole.
Navigating the Schedule and Keeping Momentum
With Dallas hosting Miami on Wednesday night, Flagg emphasized maintaining composure while the season’s daily grind ramps up.
“Just staying grounded,” Flagg said. “You gotta kind of stay even keel, levelheaded. You can’t get too high with the highs and too low with the lows. Obviously it’s our first win streak, so that’s something positive to build on, but we just kind of have to keep building and stay grounded.”
Asked what it has been like adjusting to the volume of games, he acknowledged the physical and mental load.
“It’s a lot,” Flagg said. “It’s tiring. It’s a lot on your body, but you kind of get used to it. You figure out your routine and what helps you get through it day to day.”
Flagg enters Wednesday’s matchup ranking second among all rookies in total points (358), first in total rebounds (139), tied for first in assists (71), second in steals (29) and fourth in blocks (13). He is the only rookie to rank among the top five in all five major categories.
The Mavericks (after a 131-121 win in Denver) look for their third straight victory as they return home to face the Heat.
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