Flagg Makes Mavericks Preseason Debut Against Thunder With Davis

Cooper Flagg made his first appearance for the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, delivering a lively 14-minute performance in a preseason opener against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in Fort Worth. The No. 1 overall pick finished the first half with 10 points, six rebounds, three assists and a block while playing alongside veteran Anthony Davis, a pairing Dallas will test as it reshapes its front court after last season's roster changes.

Early in the game Flagg provided a signature two-way moment, blocking a shot at the rim and sparking a transition sequence that ended with DAngelo Russell lobbing to a driving Davis for a dunk. The highlight underscored the immediate floor chemistry the Mavericks are trying to develop between the former top draft pick and established stars, even as the team plans to limit minutes for several veterans during the preseason. Dallas had indicated that Davis and Flagg would play only the first half, and Klay Thompson and P.J. Washington were slated for restricted minutes as the coaching staff experiments with rotations.

Flagg, the 18-year-old former Duke standout, enters the NBA amid high expectations after being selected first overall in...