Cooper Flagg’s NBA Debut: Mavericks Rookie Grabs Double-Double in First Game

Flagg, 18, impresses with 10 points and 10 rebounds in loss to Spurs

Cooper Flagg’s NBA debut may have ended with a loss, but the Mavericks rookie still managed to turn heads with 10 points and 10 rebounds against the San Antonio Spurs. At just 18, Flagg played with the calm of a seasoned vet—like he’s been here before, cool as a cucumber under the bright lights.

Flagg entered the league riding a wave of hype, and he wasted no time making history as one of the youngest players ever to notch a double-double in his first NBA game. Sure, there were some wild rumors swirling—some folks swore he dropped 22 points in a win over the Toronto Raptors—but the official numbers don’t lie: 10 points, 10 rebounds, and a hard-fought Mavericks loss to the Spurs.

The Mavericks had their hands full with San Antonio, but Flagg’s performance was a silver lining on an otherwise cloudy night. He chipped in 4 assists and, impressively, didn’t cough up the ball once—a rare feat for a rookie making his debut. For bettors tracking how stat lines translate into wagering opportunities, our NBA props betting guide offers a clear breakdown of how performances like Flagg’s impact player prop markets. It didn’t take long for fans and commentators to start whispering comparisons to other young NBA phenoms. Talk about making a splash!

Dallas center Dereck Lively II played the role of trusty sidekick, helping tee up some of Flagg’s highlight moments—including a fast break that ended with a rim-rattling dunk. The Mavericks couldn’t quite wrangle the win, but coaches and fans alike were buzzing about Flagg’s energy and poise. You could almost hear the collective, “Did you see that kid?” echoing through the arena.

At just 18, Flagg’s first game is a tantalizing glimpse of what he could bring to Dallas. Now, all that’s left is to notch that first win—and something tells us, it won’t be long before he does.