Flagg's last-second miss seals another Mavericks defeat. A lineup shakeup sparks, but ultimately falls short against the Pelicans.
DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks’ latest lineup change produced more energy but no breakthrough. Rookie Cooper Flagg’s runner in the lane rimmed out with two seconds left, and the Mavericks fell 101-99 to the short-handed New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night.
Flagg led Dallas (2-6) with 20 points, nine rebounds, three steals and two blocks while playing at small forward for the first time this season. His potential game-winner — a driving floater from the right side — bounced off the back of the rim before New Orleans’ Trey Murphy III grabbed the rebound to seal the Pelicans’ victory.
Saddiq Bey paced New Orleans (2-6) with 22 points and nine rebounds as the Pelicans, missing Zion Williamson and Jordan Poole, completed a back-to-back sweep after beating Charlotte a night earlier.
The Mavericks entered the game ranked last in the league in scoring and unveiled a new starting lineup that moved Flagg to the wing and inserted D’Angelo Russell at point guard. Klay Thompson came off the bench for the first time as a Maverick, matching season highs with 11 points and three 3-pointers in 21 minutes. He also recorded his 2,000th career assist, becoming one of 17 players in NBA history with at least 2,000 made 3-pointers and 2,000 assists.
Russell added nine points, while P.J. Washington delivered 15 points and 11 rebounds for his second consecutive double-double. Daniel Gafford had 15 points, eight rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Max Christie finished with 12 points, marking his sixth straight game in double figures.
Head coach Jason Kidd said the final possession unfolded exactly as drawn up.
“It was great down the stretch — on both ends,” Kidd said. “We were able to get to the free-throw line and then for him to get the ball in that pick-and-roll, I thought he got a great look.”
Kidd explained that the decision to alter the lineup was about balance and ball movement.
“Just looking at when we have a point guard on the floor — it’s been all right,” Kidd said. “I talked to Klay, asked him if he could come off the bench. This isn’t a permanent thing, but he was good with it. I thought him coming off the bench gave us a spark. That first group was a little tight — everyone’s trying to play perfect. But the group fought and put ourselves in a position to tie that game.”
The Mavericks once again struggled to find rhythm offensively, missing their first seven shots and trailing 9-0 early. Kidd said the issue wasn’t about schemes — it was simply about finishing.
“That’s easy — you’ve got to make shots,” he said. “We’re getting great looks. We’ve missed some layups that we normally make, and that just happens in a season. The threes have been wide open, but they haven’t gone in on a consistent basis.”
Kidd praised Washington’s recent play and consistency on both ends.
“He’s playing unbelievable — playing at an All-Star level,” Kidd said. “He’s playing 38 minutes a night, guarding everybody, and doing everything. Transition defense, blocks, scoring — he’s doing it all. He’s trying to help the team win. We just need others to join the party.”
Flagg, who became the youngest player in NBA history to record at least 20 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks, said he thought Dallas executed the final possession well despite the outcome.
“I think we got to a good spot — something I was able to get to throughout the second half,” Flagg said. “I got to a good area, put one up on the rim, but it just didn’t fall.”
Flagg admitted the new lineup helped at times but said the team’s offensive execution remains inconsistent.
“It got a little sticky at times, but we’ve got to keep working on moving the ball, getting organized, and attacking mismatches,” he said. “There were a lot of possessions where guys were in the wrong spots. When we’re in our spacing and running what we practice, we get good looks.”
The 18-year-old also reflected on the team’s slow start to the season.
“Like Max said, nobody’s happy,” Flagg said. “For me, it’s the most I’ve lost, ever. It’s different. Nobody’s happy, but guys are trying to stay level-headed. It’s early, but it’s not fun losing. We want to make a change and start moving in the right direction.”
Christie said the Mavericks got exactly what they wanted on the final play.
“On the final possession, we got a great look — exactly what we wanted,” Christie said. “A Cooper shot downhill that hit back rim. It was a great shot, and we’ll live with that.”
Christie added that Flagg’s performance was an important step in his development.
“To be in that moment, take that shot, and handle it with poise — that’s huge for his growth,” he said. “He was aggressive, kept us in the game, made free throws. He was great.”
Despite the disappointment, Christie echoed his coach’s message about staying unified.
“We’re all upset. Nobody’s happy being 2-6,” he said. “It’s frustrating because we’re competitors. But we also know it’s early. We just have to figure it out and keep working. It’s a character-building stretch for sure.”
The Mavericks, who have now lost three straight and sit at the bottom of the Western Conference, will look to regroup Friday in Memphis.