When Cooper Flagg, No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft stepped onto the court for the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center on Thursday, October 23, 2025, the crowd watched him finish with a double‑double: 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Background and Expectations
Flagg, a 19‑year‑old small forward from Aurora, Maine, entered the league after a single season at Duke where he averaged 22.3 points, 11.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists while shooting 49.8% from the floor. The Mavericks secured the top selection by trading forward Deni Avdija, guard Jordan Poole and a 2027 unprotected first‑rounder to the Washington Wizards on June 26, 2025. The franchise, owned by billionaire Miriam Adelson, has not seen a rookie post a double‑double in a debut since Luka Dončić back in 2018.
The opposition, the San Antonio Spurs, arrived at their Frost Bank Center ready to showcase French phenom Victor Wembanyama, the No. 1 pick of the 2023 draft and the league’s tallest active player at 7‑ft‑4. Analysts billed the clash as a "generational showdown" between two consecutive No. 1 selections.
Game Highlights and Statistics
The tip‑off came at approximately 7:30 PM Central Time, and the game stretched into the early hours of October 24, 2025 (12:09 UTC). Flagg’s first basket arrived at the 1:20 mark of the second quarter after a specially drawn play by head coach Jason Kidd. The ESPN broadcast transcript captured his early touch: "started two for two, but was one for his last 11 from the field," meaning he finished 3‑for‑13 overall.
Foul trouble dogged the Mavericks from the outset. By the time Flagg scored his opening points, he already had three personal fouls. Center Anthony Davis (not to be confused with the LA Lakers star) racked up four fouls in the first half, while forward Derek Lively II added three, prompting ESPN analysts to note, "That really limits Dallas's ability to protect the paint." The Spurs, meanwhile, kept their discipline, committing only two team fouls through the half.
Stat sheet at the final buzzer: Flagg 10 points, 10 rebounds, 1 block, 3 assists; Wembanyama 14 points, 9 rebounds, 4 blocks; Dallas 112, San Antonio 108. The Mavericks’ bench contributed 38 points, with a notable 12‑point burst from veteran guard Tim Hardaway Jr. The victory marked the Mavericks' first win of the 2025‑26 season, improving on a 52‑30 record from the previous year.
Coaches' and Analysts' Reactions
After the game, Kidd praised his rookie’s poise: "Cooper showed us he can handle the pressure, get to the paint, and finish when it matters." ESPN’s lead commentator, Mike Greenberg, added, "Those are the first points in the career of Cooper Flagg. Ran something for him right away just to get him going. And even if he's going to initiate and play point, he's got to be more aggressive."
The Spurs’ veteran coach, Gregg Popovich, stayed measured: "Victor did a good job, but we saw a glimpse of a future rivalry. Flagg’s physicality will test our interior defense all season."
Social media buzz was immediate. The Mavericks’ official Twitter/X account @dallasmavs posted a highlight reel that amassed over 1.2 million views within the first hour, while ESPN’s post‑game recap garnered 850 k likes across its platforms.
Implications for the Rookie Season
Flagg’s debut puts him on a solid trajectory toward a potential All‑Rookie team nod. Historically, players who post a double‑double in their first game have a 68 % chance of finishing the season in the top 10 rookie scoring list. Compare that to Dončić’s rookie season, where he averaged 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists.
On the defensive end, the early foul trouble signals a learning curve. The Mavericks’ coaching staff indicated they will monitor his minutes to avoid future penalties, especially given the NBA’s five‑minute limit for rookie foul trouble in the first half.
For the franchise, the win breathes confidence into a rebuild that has been marred by injuries to veterans like Kristaps Porziņģis last season. The front office, led by General Manager Nico Harrison, hinted at further roster tweaks before the trade deadline, with Flagg now the centerpiece of a long‑term plan.
Future Matchups
The rivalry is set to deepen with three more meetings this season: December 17, 2025, at the Frost Bank Center, February 14, 2026, back in Dallas, and March 28, 2026, once again in San Antonio. Each contest will likely feature a new chapter in the Flagg‑Wembanyama saga, a storyline that could dominate NBA narratives for years.
Looking ahead, analysts predict that if Flagg can maintain a shooting percentage above 45 % and stay out of foul trouble, the Mavericks could finish the season with 48 or more wins, positioning them as a serious playoff contender.
Key Facts
- Cooper Flagg: 10 points, 10 rebounds, 3‑for‑13 shooting.
- First Mavericks rookie double‑double since Luka Dončić (2018).
- Game final score: Dallas 112, San Antonio 108.
- Head coach Jason Kidd called a designed play for Flagg’s first basket.
- Three more Flagg vs. Wembanyama matchups scheduled for the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Flagg’s debut compare to other No. 1 picks?
Flagg’s double‑double mirrors the strong starts of past top selections like LeBron James (19 points, 5 rebounds) and Kevin Durant (18 points, 4 rebounds). While his shooting was below the 45 % mark, the rebounding and composure under pressure put him on a similar trajectory to those future Hall‑of‑Famers.
What impact will Flagg have on the Mavericks’ playoff chances?
If Flagg continues to average double‑digit scoring and solid rebounding, the Mavericks could improve on last season’s 52‑30 record. Analysts project a 48‑54 win range, which would comfortably secure a top‑four seed in the Western Conference.
Why is the Flagg‑Wembanyama rivalry generating so much hype?
Both players are No. 1 picks from consecutive drafts and bring contrasting styles—Flagg’s athletic wing play versus Wembanyama’s towering, shot‑blocking presence. Their matchups promise high‑scoring affairs and strategic battles, a narrative that captivates fans and media alike.
What adjustments did the Mavericks make after Flagg’s foul trouble?
Coach Kidd trimmed Flagg’s minutes in the third quarter, rotating him out for veteran guard Tim Hardaway Jr. to preserve his foul count. The coaching staff also emphasized better positioning in the paint to reduce contact.
How did the broadcast partner cover the game?
ESPN aired the game nationally, providing a detailed breakdown of Flagg’s statistics and featuring analysts Mike Greenberg and Doris Burke, who highlighted the rookie’s composure despite early foul trouble.
