Cooper Flagg and Bronny James delivered an evening of midsummer leisure for NBA followers, even when the pair solely mixed for 18 factors in Thursday's summer season league conflict between the Mavericks and Lakers.
Flagg, making his debut in a Dallas uniform after getting picked first general on this yr's draft, scored 10 factors on 5-for-21 capturing, plus six rebounds, 4 assists and three steals.
James notched eight factors on 2-of-8 from the sphere.
Dallas escaped with an 87-85 conquer the Lakers at a packed Thomas & Mack Middle in Las Vegas, after James, the son of LeBron and a second-round decide within the 2024 draft, missed a pull-up 3-pointer on the buzzer.
Whereas talking with reporters afterward, Flagg admitted it wasn't his finest effort.
“I'd say that is likely to be one of many worst video games of my life,” Flagg stated. “However we acquired the win and that's what actually issues to me.”
Neither James nor Flagg scored a degree within the second half.
The pair had been going at each other all night time, and every guarded the opposite for a lot of the sport.
James scored the primary factors of the night time with a easy step-back jumper over the outstretched arms of the 6-foot-9 Flagg, who has a 7-foot wingspan.
James hit his following subject aim try, too, earlier than lacking his subsequent six photographs.
Flagg then discovered his bearings, barreling downcourt for a coast-to-coast flush by visitors earlier than backing down Dalton Knecht and hitting a contested put up fade.
Bronny had some spectacular defensive moments in opposition to Flagg, together with one near-steal in the second quarter that was ultimately called a foul.
Flagg additionally went for a thunderous poster dunk within the second quarter, lacking it.
over the Lakers. NBAE by way of Getty Pictures
Nonetheless, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd — who was in attendance — was impressed along with his extremely touted rookie.
“I feel Cooper's achieved an unimaginable job with all of the minutes,” Kidd told ESPN's Malika Andrews at halftime. “He's dealt with the ball, he's gotten wide-open photographs for teammates, he's completed, I feel you've seen lots of what he can do on this league.”
Flagg, particularly after his quiet second half, was much less enthused along with his play.
“Lower than my customary, however I'm going to enhance,” he stated postgame. “I'm going to be alright.”
