Flagg vs. Bronny: The Summer League Showdown Delivers!11 July 2025|NBA 🏀
Las Vegas was buzzing Thursday night at the Thomas & Mack Center as Cooper Flagg and Bronny James finally faced off in their first Summer League matchup! The highly anticipated clash between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers certainly delivered some fireworks, especially in the second quarter.
In their initial one-on-one, Flagg tried to back down James, drawing a foul. Then, on the ensuing inbound, Flagg rose up for a jumper right over the Lakers guard. It was a preview of the competitive night ahead!
The Mavericks ultimately snagged an 87-85 win over the Lakers, and while Flagg’s unofficial debut as a Mav saw him put up 10 points, it wasn’t the most efficient shooting night, as he connected on just 5 of 21 shots. However, the top pick in last month’s NBA draft still showed flashes of why he was so coveted.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd has been vocal about deploying Flagg at point guard frequently this season, and Dallas wasted no time. Flagg brought the ball up on the Mavs’ very first possession, even drawing a double team from the Lakers!
He started to find his rhythm late in the first quarter, getting his first basket with a transition dunk and then a mid-range jumper. Still, Flagg’s scoring dried up after halftime, and he has struggled from beyond the arc, going 0 for 5 from three-point range. As a team, the Mavericks shot 9 of 28 from deep.
Despite Flagg's shooting woes, other Mavs stepped up. Miles Kelly, one of Dallas' two-way signees, knocked down three 3-pointers and finished with 17 points. Point guard Ryan Nembhard, the other two-way player, had a strong outing with 21 points and 5 assists, consistently hitting mid-range jumpers and playing with control, all while his older brother, Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard, watched from the stands.
In the clutch, with just over a minute left, Flagg showcased his defensive prowess, blocking a Lakers shot and dishing to Nembhard for a go-ahead three! The Mavs then held on, surviving Bronny James' last-second attempt for the win.
Flagg's debut drew some serious star power to Vegas, with Mavericks Governor Patrick Dumont (whose son proudly wore Flagg's No. 32 jersey), Coach Kidd, and minority owner Mark Cuban all in attendance. Even Mavs players like Kyrie Irving, P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall, and Max Christie were courtside, taking in the Summer League action.
Even with the tough shooting night, Flagg's talent was evident in bursts. He seemed to shine most in transition, and despite point guard not being his natural position, he rarely looked rattled bringing the ball up and initiating the offense.
Expect to see plenty more "Point Flagg" this season, based on everything coming out of the Mavericks' coaching staff.
Next up for Flagg and the Mavericks: they'll face the San Antonio Spurs and the No. 2 overall pick, Dylan Harper, next Saturday right here in Las Vegas. You won't want to miss it!
