News Summary
Cooper Flagg, the top 2025 NBA Draft pick, shone during his second Summer League game by scoring 31 points against the Spurs, marking the highest total by a No. 1 pick since 2010. Despite the Mavericks losing, Flagg’s performance demonstrated his scoring ability and improvement from his debut. With 6 rebounds and 4 assists, Flagg showcased his evolving offensive skills, while also maintaining a solid transition game. As the Mavericks consider shutting him down for the Summer League, analysts note his potential growth as he transitions to the NBA.
Las Vegas, NV – Cooper Flagg, the top selection in the 2025 NBA Draft, made headlines during his second Summer League game by scoring 31 points against the San Antonio Spurs. This impressive performance marked the highest point total recorded by a No. 1 pick in the Las Vegas Summer League since John Wall achieved the same feat in 2010.
Despite his team, the Dallas Mavericks, suffering a loss to the Spurs, Flagg showcased his scoring prowess throughout the game. His contributions included a mix of effective drives to the basket and impactful plays in transition. In addition to his 31 points, he also added six rebounds and four assists to his stat line. This marked a notable improvement compared to his Summer League debut against the Los Angeles Lakers, where he struggled significantly, shooting just 5-for-21 from the field and finishing with only 10 points.
Throughout the Summer League, Flagg’s ability to handle the ball has evolved. In particular, he demonstrated improved offensive creation in the game against the Spurs, converting his scoring opportunities at a more efficient rate than in his earlier outing. His performance was supported by teammate Ryan Nembhard, who managed most of the traditional point guard responsibilities, allowing Flagg to focus on his scoring roles.
Flagg maintained a strong transition game across both Summer League games, emphasizing his athleticism. Notably, he committed only 1.5 turnovers per game, showcasing his ability to manage the ball effectively while carrying a high usage rate. Although he averaged 39% shooting from three-point range during his college career, Flagg faced challenges finding effective shooting opportunities in the Summer League, which could affect his scoring consistency.
Defensively, Flagg’s performance did not yield high steal or block numbers; however, he demonstrated solid positioning and smart shot-contesting techniques without accumulating unnecessary fouls. As he prepares to transition into the NBA, Flagg will encounter challenges in securing rebounds and blocking shots against established players, including the likes of Anthony Davis.
Following his impressive outing against the Spurs, indications suggest that the Mavericks may opt to shut down Flagg for the remainder of the Las Vegas Summer League, allowing him to prepare for the upcoming season. Analysts and scouts have taken note of his instincts and athletic abilities, anticipating potential growth in his ball-handling capabilities as he adapts to elite-level competition.
The Mavericks’ current roster structure has led to projections placing Flagg as a co-second option alongside D’Angelo Russell, filling the playmaking gap left by departing star Kyrie Irving. However, despite Flagg’s standout performance, ESPN reports that his showing during the Summer League did not significantly shift expectations for his fantasy basketball potential for the upcoming season, highlighting the need for further adaptation as he transitions into the NBA.
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Additional Resources
- ESPN: 2025 Las Vegas NBA Summer League First Impressions
- CBS Sports: Mavericks to Shut Down No. 1 Overall Pick Cooper Flagg
- Dallas News: Mavericks Suffer Lopsided Loss to Hornets
- NBA.com: Cooper Flagg’s Summer League Breakdown
- Athlon Sports: Mavs Make Shocking Cooper Flagg Decision
- Wikipedia: NBA Summer League
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MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
