Cooper Flagg Shines In Mavericks Fourth Straight Win Over Warriors

The Dallas Mavericks are starting to turn heads in the NBA, and rookie sensation Cooper Flagg is right at the heart of their resurgence. On Thursday night, January 22, 2026, the Mavericks clinched their fourth straight victory, defeating the Golden State Warriors 123-115 in a game that showcased both team grit and individual brilliance. With the win, Dallas improved to 19-26 on the season and continued a stretch that has seen them win five of their last six contests. For a franchise that’s battled adversity all year, this latest triumph signals a potential turning point—and much of the credit belongs to their 19-year-old forward, Cooper Flagg.

Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick in last year’s NBA Draft, delivered a performance that left fans and analysts alike buzzing. He finished with 21 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, and a steal in 30 minutes of action—his sixth double-double of the season and a new career high in rebounds. What makes this stat line even more impressive is that Flagg was supposed to be on a minutes restriction, having just returned from a sprained left ankle that sidelined him for two games earlier in January. Yet, when the Mavericks needed him most, he was right there, battling on both ends of the floor and showing the kind of poise rarely seen in a teenager.

Flagg’s shooting was efficient on the night, going 8-of-18 from the field, including a three-pointer, and 4-of-7 from the free-throw line. His ability to contribute across the board has quickly become a hallmark of his rookie campaign. As Mavericks coach Jason Kidd explained earlier this season, “He’s better than advertised, if that’s possible.” That sentiment has been echoed by coaches, scouts, and executives around the league, with one Western Conference scouting director simply stating, “He’s a motherf---er.”

It hasn’t all been smooth sailing for Flagg or the Mavericks this year. Dallas entered the season with high expectations after landing the top pick and acquiring veteran big man Anthony Davis in a blockbuster trade. However, injuries have plagued the roster: Davis has appeared in just 20 games due to a series of ailments and is currently out with ligament damage in his left hand. Trade rumors swirl as the deadline approaches, and his future in a Mavericks uniform is uncertain. Meanwhile, star guard Kyrie Irving, a key figure in last season’s NBA Finals run, is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered in early March and has yet to be cleared for practice. With the team languishing in 12th place in the Western Conference as of January 22, some insiders speculate that Irving’s return might be delayed until next season.

Despite these setbacks, Flagg’s impact has been undeniable. Early in the season, the Mavericks experimented with the 6-foot-9 rookie at point guard—a role he’d never played before. The adjustment period was rocky, with Flagg averaging 13.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists while shooting just 38.8% from the floor over the first seven games. But once Kidd shifted him back to his natural forward spot, Flagg’s numbers soared. Over the next 34 games, he averaged 19.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists, shooting a robust 49.2% from the field. “I think it’s a lot of pressure and a lot of responsibility that comes with being a point guard, and I don’t know if I was ready for that or if I was ready to handle that right off the bat,” Flagg admitted in November. “It wasn’t perfect, but I think I learned a lot through that.”

Flagg’s maturity and relentless drive have drawn praise from across the league. Philadelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse noted Flagg’s ability to “regather his composure” during tough stretches, while Denver Nuggets coach David Adelman said, “When he doesn’t play well, I still really like watching him play because of the way he plays. The intensity, I think that takes you a long way because you’re going to go through ups and downs when you’re young. He’s really impressive.”

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Flagg’s rookie season is the historical company he keeps. Having turned 19 just a month ago, Flagg broke LeBron James’ NBA records for most points (42) and assists (11) in a game at age 18. Only James himself averaged more points per game at that age (20.2) than Flagg’s 18.8. Talent evaluators had projected Flagg as a do-it-all player, but his scoring punch has been a pleasant surprise. “I actually thought his offense would take longer than it has,” a Western Conference GM told ESPN. “All these guys being out has given him freedom to explore and expand his game. He’s so big, and he’s realized he can just get to his spots.”

Flagg’s versatility is on full display in the advanced metrics. He’s the only rookie to rank among the top three in his class in total points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals. He currently sits as the betting favorite for Rookie of the Year, with his main competition coming from Charlotte’s Kon Knueppel. Flagg’s ability to finish with both hands is especially unique—he’s the only player in the league with at least 60 made layups and dunks with each hand, according to ESPN Research. His left-handed drives and finishes have become a signature, and he’s scored 339 points off drives this season, shooting 53.5% in those situations.

There are still areas for growth, of course. Flagg’s three-point shooting sits at just 28.6%, but league observers expect improvement as he refines his mechanics in the offseason. Inside the arc, though, he’s a force—shooting 53.5% and using his size and skill to overwhelm defenders. “The biggest thing that stands out to me is his athleticism,” said one Eastern Conference scout. “If I’m the GM here, I’m adding as much shooting as possible and building around him for a long time.”

Flagg’s composure in clutch moments has also been a revelation. He ranks seventh in the NBA in clutch points (72) and assists (13), showing a knack for making the right play when the game hangs in the balance. Nuggets star Nikola Jokic remarked after a December matchup, “He looked really mature out there,” following Flagg’s 33-point, 9-rebound, 9-assist performance against Denver.

The Mavericks’ win over Golden State was a team effort, with Naji Marshall tying his season highs with 30 points and nine assists. Max Christie added 21 points, and Brandon Williams chipped in 19 off the bench. On the Warriors’ side, Stephen Curry dazzled with 38 points and made history as the first NBA player to attempt 10,000 three-pointers, sinking 8-of-15 from deep. But it was the Mavericks who seized control late, capitalizing on a critical flagrant foul by Draymond Green and going on an 11-0 run that ultimately sealed the victory.

Looking ahead, Dallas will host the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday, January 24, with Luka Doncic set to face his former team. With Flagg leading the charge and the Mavericks building momentum, fans in Dallas have reason to believe that brighter days may be on the horizon—even in a season marked by adversity and uncertainty.