How To Watch Dallas Mavericks vs. Milwaukee Bucks: Jason Kidd Compares Cooper Flagg’s Early Struggles To Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Development

Grant AfsethNovember 10, 2025November 10, 2025no comment

Giannis Antetokounmpo 'Intrigued' About Potentially Winning Championship With New York Knicks NBA Milwaukee Bucks

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The Dallas Mavericks return home Monday night to face the Milwaukee Bucks in a matchup highlighting two of the NBA’s most dynamic forwards — one established in Giannis Antetokounmpo, and one just beginning his journey in Cooper Flagg. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. CT at American Airlines Center in Dallas, airing on KFAA-29 and streaming on MavsTV.

The Mavericks (3–7) snapped a four-game skid Saturday with a 111–105 road win in Washington, led by Naji Marshall’s season-high 30 points and a composed all-around effort from Flagg, who posted 12 points, six rebounds, and six assists. The Bucks (6–4) fell Sunday to Houston despite 37 points from Antetokounmpo, who continues to lead the league in scoring.

How to Watch Dallas Mavericks vs. Milwaukee Bucks

Date: Monday, Nov. 10
Time: 7:30 p.m. CT
Location: American Airlines Center — Dallas, TX
TV: KFAA-29, MavsTV Stream
Radio: KEGL 97.1 FM The Eagle; 99.1 FM Zona MX (Spanish)
Tickets: Mavs.com

Dallas Mavericks Injury Report

Daniel Gafford: Available (Right Ankle)
Dereck Lively II: Out (Right Knee)
Anthony Davis: Out (Left Calf)
Kyrie Irving: Out (Left Knee)
Dante Exum: Out (Knee)

Head coach Jason Kidd said Gafford will test his ankle in warmups before a final decision, while Davis, Lively, Irving, and Exum remain unavailable.

Milwaukee Bucks Injury Report

Giannis Antetokounmpo: Available (Left Knee Patellar Tendinopathy)
Taurean Prince: Out (Neck Herniated Disk)
Kevin Porter Jr.: Out (Right Knee Meniscus Surgery)
Alex Antetokounmpo: Out (G League – Two-Way)

Head coach Doc Rivers confirmed pregame that Antetokounmpo will play Monday night.

Cooper Flagg’s Early Growth Draws NBA-Wide Praise

Through 10 games, Cooper Flagg has averaged 13.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3 assists, shooting 40.3% from the field — a steady start for the youngest player in the NBA.

Jason Kidd compared Flagg’s learning curve to that of a young Giannis Antetokounmpo, emphasizing his poise and willingness to learn.

“Cooper’s playing the game the right way, trying to make the right plays,” Kidd said. “He’s got the best perimeter defender on him a lot of times. He’s doing a great job. Cooper’s going to be fine. He’ll do it at a very high level as time goes on.”

Doc Rivers echoed those sentiments pregame, pointing to Flagg’s work ethic and competitive fire.

“What I love about him — absolutely love — is his competitiveness,” Rivers said. “In the history of our game, guys with that much athleticism, that much competitiveness, and that willingness to learn never fail. They just don’t. He’s going to keep getting better because he wants to.”

Rivers also touched on the mental challenge facing young players drafted into rebuilding situations.

“Most of these guys are All-Americans in college, which usually means their teams were pretty good,” he said. “Then they get drafted to high spots in the NBA, and those teams aren’t good yet. It’s tough — it’s mental. But it’s all about character, and he seems like a high-character guy.”

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Cooper Flagg: Two Paths, Same Curiosity

Kidd, who once coached Antetokounmpo during his early Milwaukee days, sees echoes of that developmental process with Flagg.

“They might be around the same age,” Kidd said. “Cooper’s understanding that he’s got the best perimeter defender on him a lot of times. I wouldn’t compare the two skill sets — they’re different — but they’re similar in learning the position, playmaking, and seeing the floor.”

Rivers noted that player development philosophies have evolved since then.

“I don’t know if I would’ve thought to do that with Giannis at the time,” Rivers said. “I had Ben Simmons in Philly — we put the ball in his hands and made him the point guard. Both of them have incredible vision. We were talking about Cooper this summer, and among coaches, all five positions were mentioned for him. That tells you what kind of anomaly he is.”

Myles Turner’s Fit and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Facilitator Role

Rivers praised Myles Turner for his impact on both ends since joining Milwaukee in free agency.

“He’s been great — just a pro’s pro,” Rivers said. “He’s a truth-teller in the locker room. As a coach, you wish you had 15 of those guys — you usually get one, and he’s that for us.”

He also explained how Antetokounmpo’s expanded offensive role has helped both his body and the Bucks’ spacing.

“It’s actually easier on his body,” Rivers said. “When he’s a facilitator, he’s not taking as much contact as when he’s fighting for position inside. He’s still getting post touches, but with movement. It’s better for him.”

Around the NBA Buzz: Luka Dončić Trade Still Resonates

When asked about the ongoing attention surrounding the Luka Dončić–Anthony Davis trade, Rivers didn’t hold back.

“They should be [a talking point],” Rivers said. “Getting Cooper, waiting on Kyrie to come back healthy — they remind me of a college football team ranked number one but missing their quarterback. They’ll be a good basketball team. They just have to weather the storm.”

Rivers admitted the fan reaction to the blockbuster deal was unlike anything he’d seen.

“I thought it was AI — honest to God,” he said. “I didn’t believe it. I even texted about it and said, ‘This isn’t true, this is AI.’ And then I was told it was real, and I was shocked.”

What’s Next

The Mavericks continue their four-game homestand Wednesday against the Phoenix Suns, followed by matchups with the LA Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers before heading back on the road.

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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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