Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd lauded Cooper Flagg after the 18-year-old scored a career-high 29 factors to steer the workforce to a 118-115 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday at American Airways Middle.
“I believed the group performed exhausting for 48 minutes and obtained to the end line,” Kidd mentioned, highlighting the workforce’s resilience regardless of early turnovers.
The coach emphasised Flagg’s poise within the fourth quarter, noting his capability to create alternatives for himself and teammates. “Understanding his poise and methods to get to his spot offensively…he does the appropriate factor by capturing a 3. It’s the appropriate basketball play, make or miss,” Kidd mentioned.
P.J. Washington Jr. additionally delivered a robust efficiency, scoring 24 factors whereas hitting 5 3-pointers and guarding key Pelicans gamers. “He was affected person…made some huge threes for us down the stretch,” Kidd famous.
Max Christie contributed 23 factors, tying a profession excessive, whereas Brandon Williams orchestrated the Mavericks’ offense with 12 assists. Kidd highlighted the workforce’s defensive effort, pointing to 9 blocks and constant perimeter protection that held New Orleans to 25% capturing in essential stretches.
Kidd credited the workforce’s competitiveness and belief in one another for his or her capability to beat a nine-point early deficit. “They by no means really feel they’re out of the sport…belief one another and also you noticed that once more at a excessive stage,” he mentioned, reflecting on the Mavericks’ “subsequent man up” mentality amid accidents and sickness.
The Mavericks’ late surge was capped by Naji Marshall’s go-ahead 3-pointer with 30.7 seconds remaining, securing the win towards his former workforce. Kidd praised Flagg for constantly delivering in clutch moments, noting his impression on rebounds, blocks, and scoring when wanted.
Dallas improved to 5-12 general and 1-2 in NBA Cup play, profitable two of its final three residence video games after a 2-7 begin at American Airways Middle. The Mavericks will host Memphis on Saturday, whereas the Pelicans, who fell to 2-14, face Atlanta at residence.
