Cooper Flagg Aims to Bounce Back After ‘Worst Game’ originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Cooper Flagg, to much fanfare, made his Summer League debut as the Dallas Mavericks beat the Los Angeles Lakers, 87-85.

Was it worth the $201 price of admission? Absolutely not, as neither Flagg nor Bronny James dazzled much in their heavily anticipated matchup.

James finished with eight points and two assists, making only two shots from the floor.

Flagg didn’t do much better, scoring ten points and going a woeful five-of-21 from the floor. At least he added four assists and three steals.

In the Summer League, fans are constantly reminded not to overreact to performances both good and bad, and it seems like Flagg hasn’t gotten that memo yet.

“I would say that might be one of the worst games of my life,” Flagg summed up. “But, you know, we got the win, so that’s what really matters to me. You know, my teammates, Miles, Ryan, Jordan, you know, they held it down. They did what they had to do. So I’m just glad we got the win.”

On Saturday, the first-overall pick will have a chance to bounce back against the San Antonio Spurs. Second pick Dylan Harper is yet to make his Summer League debut, although the Spurs’ other lottery pick, Carter Bryant, has been excellent on the defensive end of the ball and will likely guard Flagg for most of the game.

Flagg and his Duke Blue Devils beat Bryant and the Arizona Wildcats in the Sweet Sixteen in the spring, with Flagg going off for 30 points. Maybe he can find the same success in Las Vegas.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 12, 2025, where it first appeared.