Cooper Flagg nearly authored a triple-double in a thrilling win, showcasing rookie brilliance as the Mavericks outlasted the Nuggets in a nail-biter.
The Dallas Mavericks didn’t have the luxury of easing into the spotlight Tuesday night. With a national audience tuned in and a Christmas Day showdown waiting on the other side, Dallas leaned into urgency, rode a sensational performance from Cooper Flagg, and survived just long enough to edge the Denver Nuggets 131-130 at American Airlines Center.
Flagg was the centerpiece of the night, producing one of the most complete games of his young career while nearly authoring a triple-double. The 19-year-old finished with a game-high 33 points, nine rebounds and nine assists, missing his first career triple-double by a single rebound and assist as the Mavericks snapped a two-game losing streak.
“Just having fun,” Flagg said. “I think I’m at my best when I’m playing free and having fun. Just trying to keep everyone involved, keep the energy high and just have fun.”
The ending was chaotic, fitting a game that swung wildly after Dallas once led by as many as 21 points. Nikola Jokic, who finished with 29 points and 14 assists, orchestrated Denver’s late push and created a clean look in the final seconds when Peyton Watson found space in the left corner. The shot dipped halfway down before spinning out, sending the Mavericks bench into celebration and Flagg into a fist-clenching release.
Dallas needed every bit of Flagg’s brilliance to withstand Denver’s response. Playing the second night of a back-to-back and without P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson, Max Christie and Dwight Powell, the Mavericks were pushed into their league-high 24th clutch game of the season.
Flagg set the tone early. He poured in 22 points before halftime, missing just one of his first 10 shots, and became the first Mavericks rookie since Marquis Daniels in the 2003–04 season to score at least 20 points in a half on 90.0% shooting. His confidence was evident throughout, especially from beyond the arc, where he connected on all three of his first-half attempts.
That shooting touch carried into the fourth. With Denver threatening to steal momentum, Anthony Davis found Flagg for a fourth three-pointer — a career high — that gave Dallas a 126-121 lead with just over three minutes remaining. Moments later, Flagg delivered his biggest assist of the night, swinging the ball to Naji Marshall in the left corner for a three that pushed the Mavericks ahead by six with 1:25 to play.
Marshall finished with 15 points, extending his streak of games with at least 15, while Ryan Nembhard added 11 points and seven assists and Jaden Hardy scored 10 points in his first start of the season.
Davis continued his strong stretch with 31 points and nine rebounds, anchoring Dallas during stretches when Denver’s offense began to tilt the floor. After the game, Davis admitted he wasn’t fully aware of just how close Flagg came to history.
“I didn’t know that. He’s not good enough to get a triple-double, I guess,” Davis said with a smile. “I think I took one of his rebounds, too. But that’s a hell of a stat line, especially with a win.”
The Mavericks’ ability to respond late stood in sharp contrast to recent outings. Dallas entered the night having lost three of its previous four games despite holding leads of at least six points entering the fourth quarter in each. This time, the Mavericks steadied themselves after Denver briefly grabbed its first lead early in the final period.
Flagg also delivered one of the night’s defining visual moments when he elevated over rookie Spencer Jones for a one-handed dunk that lifted the Mavericks bench to its feet. With his brothers Ace and Hunter seated courtside, the atmosphere felt personal as well as electric.
“It was great,” Flagg said of Ace, who is playing basketball as a freshman at Maine. “We play the game together all the time, just staying connected. It’s great to have him around. I don’t get to see him as much anymore.”
The Nuggets entered the night 12-2 on the road and tied with Oklahoma City for the league’s best road record, but Dallas made it a season sweep, improving to 2-0 against Denver. Jamal Murray added 31 points and 14 assists, while former Maverick Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 23 points on seven made 3-pointers.
For Flagg, the performance marked the third-highest scoring game of his career and his most memorable yet at home. There was no time to linger on it for long. Dallas now turns quickly toward Christmas Day and a visit to Golden State.
“I’m very excited,” Flagg said. “Christmas Day games are something you grow up watching and whatnot, so I’m really excited just to have this opportunity to go out there and play.”
On a night built for the spotlight, Flagg looked comfortable standing squarely in it.