Exciting Matchup: Cooper Flagg vs. Derik Queen
In an exciting matchup earlier this month, Cooper Flagg faced off against his former Montverde Academy teammate, Derik Queen, marking their first encounter as rookie lottery picks in the NBA. The debut was tinged with frustration for Flagg, who had narrowly missed a crucial pull-up jumper in a tight finish, ultimately leading to a defeat for the Dallas Mavericks against Queen’s New Orleans Pelicans.
Flagg’s Comeback Performance
However, when the two met again on Friday, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. Following an intense game at the American Airlines Center, Flagg left the court with a smile, having played a pivotal role in the Mavericks’ comeback victory, scoring 12 of his career-high 29 points during the critical fourth quarter. The game concluded with a nail-biting score of 118-115, reflecting Flagg’s tenacity and skill in clutch moments.
In contrast, Queen struggled to execute in the final seconds, missing a potential game-tying three-pointer that sailed wide. Despite his disappointment in that moment, Queen enjoyed a stellar night with 20 points, seven rebounds, and a personal best of 11 assists. After the game, he shared a light-hearted moment with Flagg, acknowledging the irony of their competitive paths.
“That’s probably what he was laughing at, but yo, that’s crazy. Full circle,”
Queen remarked.
Flagg’s Resilience and Coach’s Praise
Flagg, who had been sidelined by illness for the Mavericks’ previous loss to the Knicks, came back stronger against the Pelicans. He was instrumental down the stretch, contributing significantly to five of the Mavs’ last eight possessions. After Queen’s shot had briefly given New Orleans a lead, Flagg rallied, scoring and assisting, notably setting up Naji Marshall for a crucial three-pointer that secured the Mavericks’ advantage with just over half a minute left on the clock.
Despite the Mavericks’ struggles this season, holding a 5-12 record, Flagg has exhibited remarkable poise during high-pressure situations. He currently ranks sixth in the league with 31 points in clutch moments, showcasing his efficiency by shooting 62.5% in those critical late-game stretches. Additionally, he stands out in rebounds and assists during clutch time, ranking second and fifth respectively.
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd praised Flagg’s fearlessness, pointing out that even as an 18-year-old, he performs like a seasoned veteran:
“Clutch situations, he’s not afraid. We get him the ball, and he seems like he’s been there before. That’s pretty special.”
Resilience and Development
The game itself required resilience from the Mavericks, as they were down by 15 points at one stage. Queen made it especially challenging for them, with his playmaking and vision, as evidenced by his seven assists just in the first quarter. Flagg acknowledged his former teammate’s talent, stating,
“Everybody has seen that he’s just a special player.”
Prompted by Coach Kidd’s halftime challenge to be more aggressive in the paint rather than settling for jump shots, Flagg responded with power in the second half, shooting an impressive 8-of-9 and scoring most of his points close to the basket. His total of 20 points in the paint not only aided his team but also made him the second-youngest player in NBA history to achieve such a feat, following in the footsteps of LeBron James.
All in all, hints of Flagg’s development into a formidable player were evident. He not only finished the match with impressive stats, including seven rebounds and five assists, but also became the second 18-year-old, alongside LeBron, to record at least 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists in a single game. P.J. Washington, Flagg’s teammate, praised his rising star status, asserting,
“He’s blossoming into who we all know he is,”
as he continues to shine brightest when it matters most.
