Cooper Flagg Shines As Mavericks Fall To Spurs In High-Scoring Battle

The Dallas Mavericks, mired in a six-game losing streak, showed flashes of hope and excitement on February 5, 2026, despite falling 135-123 to the surging San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Center. The Mavericks, now 19-32 on the season, found themselves on the wrong end of the scoreboard yet again, but the energy on the court suggested a team in transition, not resignation.

From the opening tip, there was a new bounce in the Mavericks’ step. The American Airlines Center buzzed with anticipation, not just for the showdown with the 35-16 Spurs, but for the start of a new era. The Mavericks, having recently traded Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards, are firmly building around rookie sensation Cooper Flagg—a move that signals a bold commitment to youth and the future.

The first quarter set the tone for a high-octane contest. Daniel Gafford, Naji Marshall, and Max Christie combined for 26 of Dallas’s 35 points in the opening frame, with Marshall leading all scorers early with 11 points. The Mavericks shot an impressive 48.5% from the field (47-of-95) and an efficient 38.7% from three-point range (12-of-31) over the course of the game, showing that their struggles aren’t for lack of effort or offensive firepower.

Yet, the Spurs, led by the ever-impressive Victor Wembanyama, answered every Dallas run. Wembanyama, who has torched the Mavericks’ defense all season, opened the game by sinking his first five three-point attempts. He finished with 29 points and 11 rebounds, and his early shooting barrage helped the Spurs build a 38-35 lead after one quarter. By halftime, Wembanyama had racked up 20 points and six boards, matching Naji Marshall’s output and keeping San Antonio in control.

The Mavericks, though, refused to roll over. Cooper Flagg, the rookie phenom, continued his historic scoring streak. Flagg poured in 32 points on 14-of-27 shooting, adding six rebounds and dazzling the crowd with a mix of turnaround jumpers, authoritative dunks, and his now-signature teardrop floaters over Wembanyama’s outstretched arms. Flagg’s performance marked his fourth consecutive game with at least 30 points, surpassing Trae Young’s 2018 record for most points by a rookie over a four-game span. Two free throws early in the fourth quarter put Flagg at 146 points across his last four outings—no rookie since Allen Iverson in 1996 has matched such a feat.

"If the NBA is looking for a new face of the league, maybe, just maybe, Flagg could shave that mustache and fill the role," mused one local analyst, echoing the growing sentiment that Flagg is quickly becoming the centerpiece of Dallas’s rebuilding efforts.

Marshall, who matched Flagg with 32 points and six rebounds, showcased his versatility and value to the franchise. His ability to attack the rim, knock down timely threes, and play under control—avoiding turnovers even when bullying his way to the basket—made him a constant threat. With the NBA trade deadline just passed, Marshall’s name was floated in rumors, but Dallas held firm, reportedly demanding a first-round pick in any potential deal. As co-general manager Matt Riccardi stated in a pre-game press conference, Marshall’s game fits “perfectly” with Flagg’s as a core part of the Mavericks’ new direction.

Despite the offensive fireworks, the Mavericks’ defense struggled to contain the Spurs’ balanced attack. Seven San Antonio players finished in double figures, and Stephon Castle’s energy on both ends sparked a decisive 19-4 run in the second quarter that put the Spurs ahead for good. Castle’s steals and highlight-reel dunks ignited San Antonio, while Wembanyama’s step-back threes and pinpoint passes kept Dallas at bay.

Still, the Mavericks clawed back, trimming the deficit to just three points entering the fourth quarter. Flagg and Marshall combined for 47 points through three quarters, and Dallas trailed only 99-96 heading into the final period. But every time the Mavericks threatened to take the lead, the Spurs responded with clutch baskets and timely stops. Wembanyama, quiet in the fourth until a pair of late free throws, let his supporting cast carry the load down the stretch.

The loss extended Dallas’s home skid to five games and their overall losing streak to six. The Mavericks’ upcoming schedule offers little respite, with another meeting against the Spurs looming on February 7, followed by tough road games against the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, and Minnesota Timberwolves. The team’s next home game won’t come until February 26, after a lengthy road trip and the All-Star break.

Injuries have also taken their toll on Dallas. Key contributors like Brandon Williams (leg) and P.J. Washington (concussion) missed the game, and the Mavericks had just 10 players available. Coach Jason Kidd leaned heavily on his starters, as the four new acquisitions from the trade deadline—Khris Middleton, Marvin Bagley III, AJ Johnson, and Tyus Jones—were not yet with the team. Their anticipated debut on February 7 has fans eager to see how the new-look Mavericks will gel.

The Spurs, meanwhile, continue to roll, extending their winning streak and solidifying their status as a Western Conference powerhouse. Wembanyama’s dominance against Dallas this season has been particularly notable; he dropped 40 points in the teams’ first meeting, a 125-92 rout, and has consistently exploited the Mavericks’ defense with his unique blend of size and skill.

For Dallas, the silver lining is clear: the youth movement is in full swing, and the losses may ultimately secure a better draft position come June. Flagg’s emergence as a bona fide star, combined with Marshall’s steady play and the infusion of new talent, gives Mavericks fans reasons for optimism even as the defeats mount.

As the Mavericks look ahead to a challenging stretch, the energy and excitement surrounding Cooper Flagg and his teammates suggest that better days may be on the horizon. For now, the growing pains are real, but so is the sense that something special is beginning to take root in Dallas.