Dallas’ top draft pick wasted no time giving fans a preview of his potential, showing flashes of polish and poise in his first NBA action.

Cooper Flagg made a promising first impression in his preseason debut, contributing on both ends during the Dallas Mavericks’ 106-89 win over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night at Dickies Arena.

The No. 1 overall pick recorded 10 points, six rebounds, three assists, and one block in 14 minutes, displaying the poise and versatility that made him one of the most anticipated prospects in recent years. Flagg showed flashes of defensive awareness, sharp decision-making, and comfort within the Mavericks’ offensive system, providing early signs of how his all-around game can translate to the NBA level.

“I had a lot of fun,” Flagg said after the game. “This is a great team — we have a lot of really good guys, a lot of great players. I thought we just played together really well, and that’s a fun brand of basketball to play when the ball’s moving around and everybody has each other’s back.”

Flagg made an early impact defensively, rotating from the weak side to block a layup attempt by Oklahoma City’s Isaiah Joe.

“We’ve been working our rotations defensively and different things like that, being the low man and rotating over and having my guys’ back,” Flagg said.

Shortly after, he assisted Dereck Lively II for a dunk before finding his rhythm offensively late in the second quarter.

All of Flagg’s points came during a span of two minutes and 38 seconds, when he strung together a layup, two three-pointers, and two free throws to help extend Dallas’ lead to 64-34.

“He eased into the game really well,” guard Max Christie said. “The Thunder tried to pressure him a little bit, but he seemed like he belonged. He kind of filled up the stat sheet. He had a great block as the low man to start the game, and that was really good to see.”

Head coach Jason Kidd praised Flagg’s composure and skill set, noting how naturally his game fits within the team’s structure.

“He was great,” Kidd said. “You got to see the defensive side, the playmaking, and his scoring ability. For an 18-year-old, that’s kind of special and fun to watch his ability to handle the ball in those situations.”

Flagg said he continues to focus on adapting to the NBA’s pace and spacing.

“I’m just being comfortable expanding the floor, using the space that this bigger court gives you, and utilizing that to my advantage,” he said.

Watch the full video below for a possession-by-possession look at how Flagg impacted the game and how his approach fits the Mavericks’ system.