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Rookie Flagg Outduels Williamson in NBA Cup Thriller
22 Nov
Summary
- Cooper Flagg scored a career-high 32 points in the Mavericks' win.
- Zion Williamson returned with 22 points for the Pelicans.
- Flagg's late surge secured the victory for Dallas.
Cooper Flagg spearheaded the Dallas Mavericks to a narrow 118-115 triumph against the New Orleans Pelicans during the NBA Cup on Friday. The No. 1 pick of the 2025 draft notched a personal best of 32 points, propelling his team past Zion Williamson and his teammates. Flagg also contributed seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals throughout the contest.
Zion Williamson, returning after an eight-game absence, led the New Orleans Pelicans with 22 points. The dynamic forward showed flashes of his brilliance, particularly in the fourth quarter where he scored 10 points. Despite Williamson's efforts and a late lead for the Pelicans, Flagg's clutch plays in the final minutes proved decisive for the Mavericks.
The intense matchup also spotlighted the ascendant careers of emerging talents like Charlotte Hornets forward Kon Knueppel, a former teammate of Flagg's at Duke. Both players have significantly elevated their game this season, drawing comparisons and setting the stage for future rivalries in the league.
