Cooper Flagg made his highly anticipated professional debut on Thursday night in the NBA 2K26 Summer League, helping the Dallas Mavericks edge out Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers in a tight 87-85 win.
The No. 1 overall pick didn’t light up the stat sheet offensively, shooting just 5-for-21 from the field and 0-for-5 from three-point range, but he still left his mark on the game. Flagg posted 10 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block, showcasing his all-around impact and defensive instincts.
His most critical contribution came late in the game when he blocked DJ Steward’s shot with just over a minute remaining. That key stop led to a go-ahead three-pointer by teammate Ryan Nembhard, sealing the win for Dallas.
Speaking after the game, Flagg admitted his first pro outing wasn’t ideal.
“I couldn’t really get into a rhythm,” he said. “It’s a different environment, obviously very different from college… I would say that might be one of the worst games in my life, but we got the win, that’s what really matters to me.”
Despite his rough shooting night, Flagg’s confidence and intensity stood out. He walked into UNLV’s Thomas and Mack Center locked in, sporting full Mavericks gear and his signature white New Balance sneakers, focused and unfazed by the cameras and crowd.
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