Flagg's 29 Points Lead Mavericks to 118-115 Win

Dallas, Texas – Cooper Flagg scored a career-high 29 points to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 118-115 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night in NBA Cup group play at American Airlines Center.

The win improved the Mavericks' record to 5-12 overall and 1-2 in the NBA Cup, providing a much-needed boost for a team near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft out of Duke, shot 12 of 19 from the field and added seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. His performance came without key players Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, both sidelined by injuries, forcing the rookie forward to shoulder a larger load.

The game remained close throughout, with the Pelicans holding a 63-49 halftime lead behind 15 points from Trey Murphy III. New Orleans, which fell to 2-14 overall and 0-3 in the Cup, extended its losing streak to eight games under interim coach James Borrego. The Pelicans' struggles continued despite the return of Zion Williamson from an eight-game absence due to a strained left hamstring. The 2019 No. 1 pick scored 22 points, with three rebounds, three steals and two assists, including 10 points and three...