The New York City blizzard impacting the Northeast has now altered more than just NBA travel plans. It has also forced Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg to postpone his scheduled appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Flagg had been slated to appear Monday, Feb. 23, at 10:30 p.m. CST on NBC alongside Tracy Morgan, Neve Campbell, and musical guest TWICE. However, with the Dallas Mavericks unable to travel from Indianapolis into New York City due to the storm, the appearance will no longer take place as scheduled.
More than 5,000 flights across the United States were canceled Monday, including over 1,000 at LaGuardia Airport alone. Local officials issued urgent warnings advising residents to avoid non-essential travel, while NJ Transit suspended rail and bus service, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority reported severe delays and disruptions. With both the Mavericks and Brooklyn Nets stranded out of market, the league’s Tuesday game in Brooklyn also remains weather-dependent.
Blizzard Disrupts Travel, Alters Cooper Flagg’s National Spotlight Moment
The Mavericks practiced Monday in Indianapolis but ultimately opted to remain overnight rather than attempt uncertain travel into the New York area.
Head coach Jason Kidd acknowledged the uncertainty following Sunday’s 134-130 win over the Indiana Pacers.
“You might not be able to get there — so it’s all good. I’m joking,” Kidd said. “The weather — I don’t know why we’re going to be affected and you’re going to be affected. Tomorrow’s going to be a long day. We can’t leave until the evening and there’s no guarantee. We’ve been in this situation before. Hopefully we can get out and get to New York.”
With no viable travel window on Monday evening, Flagg’s late-night television debut became collateral damage of the broader storm system. The appearance would have marked another milestone in what has already been a headline-generating rookie season.
Cooper Flagg’s Rookie Season Continues to Draw National Attention
Through 49 games, Flagg is averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 34.1 minutes per game while shooting 48.2% from the field and 80.4% from the free-throw line. He leads Dallas with 999 total points and has been deployed extensively as a point-forward, entrusted with late-game creation duties.
Drafted No. 1 overall in 2025, the 19-year-old became the youngest player in NBA history to score 40 points in a game and later set the teenage single-game scoring record with 49 points in January. That 49-point, 10-rebound performance made him the first rookie since Michael Jordan in 1985 to post a 49-and-10 line.
Flagg is currently recovering from a left midfoot sprain suffered before the All-Star break. He has missed multiple games and remains on a day-to-day evaluation timeline. Kidd recently indicated that Flagg had progressed in workouts and would continue to be assessed during the current road trip.
For now, both his return to game action and his late-night television debut will depend on factors outside the Mavericks’ control.
With the New York City blizzard continuing to disrupt travel, Dallas will monitor conditions while awaiting clarity on Tuesday’s matchup in Brooklyn.
Latest Dallas Mavericks News & Trade Rumors
- NBA News: ‘He’s Feeling Better’: Cooper Flagg Progressing Ahead Of Dallas Mavericks’ Tuesday Matchup In Brooklyn
- NBA News: ‘Energy And Effort Was High’: Khris Middleton, P.J. Washington Guide Dallas Mavericks Past Indiana Pacers To End 10-Game Skid
- NBA News: ‘Next Man Up’: Cooper Flagg Still Out As Dallas Mavericks Navigate Injuries Against Indiana Pacers
- NBA News: Dallas Mavericks Rookie Cooper Flagg Draws Significant Crowd At Indy Card Exchange During Worldwide Topps Activation
- NBA News: ‘He’s Chasing History’: Kyrie Irving Sees Cooper Flagg As Foundation For Dallas Mavericks’ Next Era
- NBA News: Dallas Mavericks Rookie Cooper Flagg’s Jersey From NBA Debut Sells For $1 Million
- NBA News: Dallas Mavericks To Remain In Indianapolis Overnight As New York City Blizzard Disrupts Travel Plans
