Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg exited Wednesday night time’s recreation in opposition to the Denver Nuggets after struggling a sprained left ankle. The No. 1 decide within the 2025 NBA Draft rolled the ankle whereas defending Denver ahead Peyton Watson with 6:01 left within the second quarter. Flagg limped off the court docket and didn’t return after halftime, because the Mavericks dominated him out for the remainder of the night time.
Flagg completed with six factors on 3-for-9 capturing, together with one rebound, one help and one block in his quarter-hour of play earlier than the harm pressured him out. The Mavericks misplaced 118-109 to Denver.
Particulars of the Damage and Sport Context
Flagg’s ankle difficulty stems from the identical foot he had twisted in Dallas’s Monday win over the Brooklyn Nets. He left that recreation briefly to get the ankle taped after which returned to attain 27 factors. On Wednesday, Flagg appeared to worsen the harm whereas shifting laterally on protection.
Coach Jason Kidd confirmed the crew selected to not danger him within the second half. Kidd defined that Dallas “determined to carry him for the second half” after Flagg confirmed indicators of ache following the play.
The harm got here in a recreation the place the Mavericks struggled offensively. Dallas shot a season-worst 5-for-34 from threeand trailed by as many as 23 factors earlier than closing the hole late. Jamal Murray scored 33 factors to guide the Nuggets.
Flagg’s Rookie Season and Affect
At 19 years outdated, Flagg has made a significant influence for Dallas. He has performed in almost each recreation this season and is among the many league’s prime rookies with averages of 19.1 factors, 6.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists per recreation. These numbers put him in competition for Rookie of the 12 months honors.
Flagg’s absence for the second half highlighted how central he has grow to be to the Mavericks’ offense and protection. Dallas additionally misplaced middle Daniel Gafford to an ankle sprain in the identical recreation, including to the crew’s harm woes.
What’s Subsequent for Flagg and Dallas
The Mavericks will monitor Flagg’s ankle carefully within the coming days. Kidd provided no timetable for a return after the loss. Dallas is scheduled to play once more quickly, that means the crew should determine how a lot relaxation he wants earlier than returning.
Flagg’s well being stays a key storyline for Dallas. The franchise is constructing round him and faces the problem of retaining their rookie star accessible throughout a pivotal stretch of the season.
