Despite battling late injuries, Cooper Flagg reveals his proactive approach to recovery, promising a strong return for the Mavericks' upcoming game.
The Dallas Mavericks took yet another loss on Wednesday, this one by a 142-135 score at the Denver Nuggets.
But as far as Cooper Flagg is concerned? Despite sustaining a pair of injuries, they aren't going to lose the rookie star as their road trip continues.
Flagg finished Wednesday night’s game against the Nuggets despite injuring his right hand in the fourth quarter, and was spotted in the locker room afterward by our Grant Afseth with his hand heavily wrapped and iced.
Flagg injured his hand by landing awkwardly late in the game. He also cut his left elbow on the play but finished the contest, posting 26 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists on 10-of-18 shooting in 36 minutes of time in the loss at Ball Arena.
The Mavericks have not issued an official injury designation.
But ...
Flagg was candid postgame about the physical toll of a demanding stretch while also issuing a prediction for the next outing.
“Doing okay,” Flagg said. “It’s tough — playing a lot of minutes, a couple of overtime games back-to-back, and physical games. Just got to take care of my body and get ready for the next one.”
On the season, Flagg is averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 61 games.
Dallas, despite his efforts, has now lost five straight and 24 of its last 28 games.
Dallas’s next game is Friday night against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. An official update on Flagg’s status will be included in the Mavericks’ injury report on Thursday.