Cooper Flagg's 29-Point Breakout Leads Mavericks Past Pelicans 118-115 in NBA Cup
Nov, 23 2025
When Cooper Flagg stepped onto the court at the American Airlines Center on Friday night, he wasn’t just playing for a win—he was silencing doubters, avenging a recent heartbreak, and announcing himself as something more than a promising rookie. The 18-year-old Dallas Mavericks forward dropped a career-high 29 points, leading his team to a dramatic 118-115 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA CupDallas. It wasn’t just the scoring. It was the timing. The poise. The sheer audacity of an 18-year-old taking over when the game hung in the balance.
From Halftime Struggles to Fourth-Quarter Domination
The Pelicans, riding a seven-game losing streak, looked dominant early. At halftime, they led 63-49, fueled by Trey Murphy III’s 15 points and a suffocating defensive effort that held Flagg to just 7 points on 3-of-9 shooting. But here’s the thing—Jason Kidd, the Mavericks’ head coach, didn’t yell. He didn’t bench him. He pulled Flagg aside and said, ‘Attack the paint. Stop settling.’
Flagg listened. And then he exploded.
In the second half, he scored 21 points on 8-of-9 shooting. Every single basket, except one, came inside the arc. He drove through traffic, finished through contact, and turned defensive stops into fast-break opportunities. With 30.7 seconds left, after a steal by Dallas, Flagg drove baseline for a tough layup. Then, Naji Marshall buried a clutch three. The lead was one. On the final possession, P.J. Washington rose like a wall and swatted away a potential game-winning three from Pelicans guard Derik Queen. The arena erupted. The Mavericks had their first NBA Cup win of the season.
A Rivalry Rekindled: Flagg vs. Queen
There’s a story here deeper than stats. Flagg and Derik Queen were teammates at Montverde Academy in Florida, two of the nation’s top recruits, destined for the NBA. They were close. Until last month, when they met for the first time as opponents—and Flagg missed a potential tying jumper in the final seconds. He walked off the court with his head down. This time? He didn’t miss.
Queen, the No. 13 overall pick in 2025, had a career night of his own: 20 points, 7 rebounds, 11 assists. But in the final seconds, he airballed a three. The look on his face said everything. He’d been outplayed by the guy he used to pass to in high school.
‘It’s not personal,’ Flagg said afterward, smiling. ‘But yeah… I’ll take this one.’
The Bigger Picture: Mavericks’ Playoff Hopes and Pelicans’ Freefall
This win improved the Mavericks’ record to 5-12 overall and 1-2 in NBA Cup group play. They’re now just 1.5 games behind the Utah Jazz for the final Western Conference play-in spot. For a team that entered the season with championship aspirations, this is a lifeline. Flagg’s emergence—averaging 15.5 points before Friday—has become the unexpected spark.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans are sinking. At 2-14, they’re the league’s worst team. Their eight-game losing streak is the longest in the NBA this season. Coach Willie Green’s rotation is in chaos. Zion Williamson remains sidelined with a knee injury. And now, their top young talent, Queen, is being outshined by his former teammate.
Flagg’s 29-point night was his highest since his 42-point explosion for Duke against Notre Dame in January—and his best since turning pro. He’s now averaging 19.8 points per game over his last five contests. That’s not a fluke. That’s a player finding his rhythm.
What Comes Next?
The Mavericks face the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night in a must-win game before the NBA Cup group stage concludes. Flagg, already a fan favorite in Dallas, said in a postgame clip: ‘I got to flip the switch. Get ready for Memphis tomorrow.’ Simple. Direct. No fluff.
Meanwhile, the NBA Cup enters its decisive phase. Dallas sits fourth in West Group B. Only the top two teams advance. The Pelicans? They’re already eliminated. The gap between the two franchises has never been wider.
Why This Matters
Flagg isn’t just a rookie. He’s a symbol. An 18-year-old from Newport, Maine, raised in a town of 5,000 people, now carrying a franchise on his back. He didn’t have a long college career—just one year at Duke. But in that year, he showed he could dominate. Now, he’s proving he can do it on the NBA’s biggest stages.
This isn’t just about one game. It’s about the future. The Mavericks are betting on Flagg as their next cornerstone. And after Friday night, that bet looks smarter than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Cooper Flagg’s performance compare to his college games?
Flagg’s 29-point night was his highest since his 42-point game against Notre Dame in January 2025 and his 30-point Sweet 16 performance against Arizona in March 2025. While his collegiate stats were more explosive, his efficiency in the NBA—63% FG, 4-of-5 FT—shows remarkable polish for an 18-year-old. He’s adapting faster than most rookies, turning his athleticism into smart, high-percentage shots.
Why is the NBA Cup important for teams like the Mavericks?
The NBA Cup, introduced in 2023-24, offers extra games with playoff implications. Winning group play guarantees a spot in the knockout rounds and adds valuable momentum. For Dallas, sitting at 5-12, this tournament is a rare chance to build confidence and climb the Western Conference standings. A deep run could also influence seeding come April.
What’s the significance of Flagg outplaying Derik Queen?
It’s a symbolic passing of the torch. Both were top-15 picks from Montverde Academy, but Flagg’s ability to elevate under pressure—especially after a previous loss to Queen—shows mental toughness. Queen’s 11 assists were impressive, but Flagg’s scoring efficiency and clutch plays in the final minutes proved more decisive. Scouts now see Flagg as the more complete two-way player.
How has Jason Kidd’s coaching changed Flagg’s game?
Before Friday, Flagg was relying too much on mid-range jumpers. Kidd’s halftime challenge forced him to attack the rim, which opened up driving lanes and drew fouls. His second-half shooting: 8-of-9. All but one basket in the paint. That’s not luck—it’s coaching. Kidd has shifted Flagg from a shooter to a playmaker who creates for himself and others, a key trait for a franchise cornerstone.
What does this win mean for the Mavericks’ playoff chances?
Dallas is now 1.5 games behind the Utah Jazz for the final Western Conference play-in spot. With only 15 games left in the regular season, every win matters. Flagg’s breakout gives them a reliable scoring option beyond Luka Dončić. If he continues this pace, the Mavericks could sneak into the play-in tournament—and possibly make a run.
Is Cooper Flagg the future of the Mavericks?
He’s already showing it. At 18, he’s playing like a veteran. His poise, defensive awareness, and ability to score in the paint under pressure are rare for a rookie. With Luka Dončić still the face of the franchise, Flagg is emerging as the perfect complementary star. If he keeps improving, he could be the next All-Star from Dallas—and the heir apparent when Dončić’s prime winds down.