Cooper Flagg ruled out after hard foul against Pacers

Cooper Flagg was ruled out of the Dallas Mavericks’ game against the Indiana Pacers with left shoulder soreness after a hard foul late in the second quarter led to a brief confrontation between players. Dallas later won 121-108, according to a report on the final score. The Mavericks announced Flagg would not return. The forward went down near the basket after Indiana’s Aaron Nesmith fouled him from behind as he approached for a dunk attempt. Flagg remained on the floor briefly, then went to the locker room before halftime and did not play in the second half. Game officials reviewed the foul and assessed Nesmith a flagrant 1. Naji Marshall confronted Nesmith after the play, and both players received technical fouls. Players from both teams became involved in a brief shoving exchange before the situation was separated. Flagg had 14 points, six assists and five rebounds in 17 minutes before leaving. Dallas led 77-43 at halftime, according to game accounts. The reported final score was 121-108. The team’s announcement identified the injury as left shoulder soreness, but the reports did not establish its severity or whether Flagg would miss additional games. Mavericks coach Dusty...