Cooper Flagg Responds to Being Benched During Mavericks' Loss to OKC

Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg accepted his benching against the Thunder with professionalism, attributing his poor performance to a lingering shoulder injury.

Cooper Flagg’s rookie season with the Dallas Mavericks has seen a mix of promise and challenges. In Monday night’s 101-94 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Flagg struggled offensively, scoring just two points on 1-for-9 shooting while battling a left shoulder injury sustained early in the game.

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As the Mavericks mounted a late comeback, coach Jason Kidd made the tough call to bench Flagg in crunch time.

Despite it being a new experience for the highly-touted No. 1 overall pick, Flagg responded to the decision with maturity, praising his teammates and understanding Kidd’s rationale given his limited impact and physical condition.

Battling Through Injury and Adversity

Flagg’s shoulder injury was apparent throughout the game, as he wore a large heat pack and wrap during his bench stints.

He appeared to take a hit on the shoulder in the very first possession but remained on the floor for 31 minutes, showing toughness despite not being at full strength. Flagg himself downplayed the severity of the injury, saying it was “just a little sore” and emphasizing his focus on rehab and ice to recover quickly.

He acknowledged that fatigue and adjusting to the physical demands of the NBA, especially playing back-to-back games, affected his performance. This level-headed approach highlights his growing maturity in handling the rigors of professional basketball.

Coach Kidd’s Perspective and Team Context

Jason Kidd recognized that it was not Flagg’s night and supported the decision to keep the hot hand on the floor in the fourth quarter, prioritizing winning.

Kidd praised Flagg’s toughness for pushing through the injury and reiterated that the decision to bench him was strategic rather than punitive. Kidd’s cautious optimism about Flagg’s health implied that the injury was manageable but underscored the need to protect his rookie prospect as the team balances its immediate goals with long-term development.

The Mavericks are navigating the challenge of mixing a veteran core with a rising star in Flagg, trying to maximize team success while setting up for the future.