Fort Worth, Texas | October 8, 2025
The long-awaited Cooper Flagg era officially began in Dallas — and it started with a statement. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft made an instant impact in his first preseason game, helping the Dallas Mavericks cruise to a 106–89 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth on Monday night.
A Rookie’s First Impression
Flagg wasted no time introducing himself to the NBA stage. Just seconds into the game, the 18-year-old forward swatted a Thunder shot off the backboard, setting up a highlight-reel alley-oop from D’Angelo Russell to Anthony Davis on the other end. The crowd erupted, signaling that something special had begun in Dallas.
Flagg finished with 10 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block in only 14 minutes of play. He showcased his versatility — flying through the lane for his first basket, then knocking down two three-pointers with smooth confidence.
Balanced Effort from Dallas
While Flagg’s debut drew the spotlight, Dallas’ veteran core provided steady production. P.J. Washington led the team with 14 points, while Anthony Davis contributed 7 points and 7 rebounds in limited minutes. Russell orchestrated the offense efficiently, dishing out 5 assists, including the lob that ignited Flagg’s first highlight.
The Mavericks built a 66–40 halftime lead and never looked back, controlling tempo and limiting Oklahoma City’s ball movement.
Thunder’s Bench Leads the Way
With OKC resting its main rotation players, Brooks Barnhizer (16 points) and Jaylin Williams (14 points) carried the offensive load. Despite flashes of effort, the Thunder struggled to match Dallas’ physicality and spacing throughout the night.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder |
| Score | 106–89 (Dallas) |
| Leading Scorer (DAL) | P.J. Washington – 14 pts |
| Top Rookie (DAL) | Cooper Flagg – 10 pts, 6 reb, 3 ast |
| Top Scorer (OKC) | Brooks Barnhizer – 16 pts |
| Venue | Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, Texas |
| Date | October 7, 2025 |
What’s Next for Flagg and the Mavericks
Dallas will continue its preseason schedule later this week as head coach Jason Kidd experiments with new rotations featuring Flagg and Davis in the frontcourt. For fans, the excitement is only growing — and after one game, the hype around the 18-year-old phenom appears justified.
