Cooper Flagg's 29 Points Lead Mavericks Past Pelicans 118-115 in NBA Cup Upset
The Dallas Mavericks pulled off a gritty 118-115 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas — not because they were expected to, but because an 18-year-old rookie refused to let them lose. Cooper Flagg, in just his second NBA season, dropped a career-high 29 points, added seven rebounds and five assists, and delivered a performance that left broadcasters breathless and fans buzzing. This wasn’t just a win. It was the Mavericks’ first victory in the Emirates NBA Cup group stage, a tournament that’s reshaped the early-season rhythm of the NBA since its 2024 debut.
A Rookie Who Doesn’t Look Like One
Flagg didn’t just play well. He played like a veteran who’d seen every defensive scheme imaginable. He hit step-back threes, drove through traffic, and even drew a charge in the final minute that sent the crowd into a frenzy. His 29 points came on 11-of-21 shooting, including 4-of-8 from deep. He wasn’t just scoring — he was orchestrating. His five assists were quietly vital, especially the one to P.J. Washington for a corner three with 1:12 left that put Dallas up by four. "He’s got ice in his veins," said ESPN analyst Doris Burke in post-game highlights. "You don’t see that from an 18-year-old. Not ever." The game wasn’t just about Flagg, though. P.J. Washington was his perfect foil — 24 points, nine rebounds, five threes. He stretched the floor all night, forcing the Pelicans’ defense to choose between collapsing on Flagg or leaving Washington wide open. He chose the latter. And it cost them.The Pelicans’ Fury and Zion’s Surge
Meanwhile, the Pelicans had their own star rising. Trey Murphy III poured in 25 points, hitting clutch jumpers and swiping three steals. But the real story was Zion Williamson. With the game tied at 110-all and 2:45 left, Zion went nuclear. Five straight points — a spinning layup, a fadeaway over two defenders, a putback off a missed free throw — gave New Orleans a 115-111 lead. The broadcast cut to a shot of Zion pounding his chest, screaming at the crowd. "That’s Zion being Zion," said the play-by-play announcer. "He doesn’t need a playbook. He needs space. And he took it." But then came the final 1:30. And that’s when Flagg took over.The Final Minutes: Chaos, Clutch, and a Tap-Out
With 57 seconds left and Dallas down by one, Flagg drove baseline, drew three defenders, and kicked out to Washington — who missed. But Daniel Gaffford, who’d been quiet all night, popped up for the tap-out rebound and laid it in. The arena erupted. Then, with 12 seconds left, the Pelicans inbounded to Murphy III, who launched a contested three. It clanked off the rim. Flagg grabbed the board, was fouled, and calmly sank both free throws. Final: 118-115.The play-by-play captured it perfectly: "Tap-out rebound. Beers on the close out. Murphy on the close out. Coup on the three." The "Coup"? That’s Flagg’s nickname among teammates — short for "Cooper," but also a nod to his "coup de grace" finishes. The crowd chanted it all night. "Coup! Coup! Coup!"
Why This Matters Beyond the Box Score
The Mavericks entered the night at 4-12. They were dead last in the Southwest Division. The Pelicans? 1-13. Both teams were playing for pride, not playoff positioning. But this win? It’s a turning point. For Flagg, it’s proof he belongs. For Dallas, it’s a signal that their rebuild might be accelerating faster than anyone thought. The team’s social media exploded after the game — @dallasmavs posted a 15-second clip of Flagg’s final free throws with the caption: "The future? It’s here." And the Emirates NBA Cup is exactly the kind of tournament that makes these moments matter. It’s not the playoffs, but it’s not meaningless either. Group winners advance. And Dallas, now 1-0 in the Cup, has a real shot. Their next game? A home showdown against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 23 — a rematch of last year’s brutal seven-game series.The Bigger Picture: A New Generation Takes the Floor
Flagg was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 draft — a high school phenom who skipped college. He’s the first player since LeBron James to enter the NBA directly from high school with this kind of hype. And now? He’s delivering. His 29-point night is the highest by any player under 19 since 2003, when a 17-year-old Dwight Howard dropped 30. But Flagg’s not just a scorer. He’s a passer, a defender, a leader. He talks to veterans like Washington like he’s been in the league for five years."I didn’t come here to be a rookie," Flagg said post-game, smiling. "I came here to win." The Mavericks’ record is still 5-12. The Pelicans? 2-14. But in a league where young stars are the new currency, this game might be the moment the NBA realized it has a new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How rare is an 18-year-old scoring 29 points in the NBA?
Only three players under 19 have scored 29+ points in the NBA since 2000: LeBron James, Dwight Howard, and now Cooper Flagg. Flagg is the first since Howard in 2003. No player under 19 has recorded 29 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists in a single game in the modern era. His performance ranks among the top 10 rookie scoring nights by age in NBA history.
What is the Emirates NBA Cup, and why is it significant?
The Emirates NBA Cup, launched in 2024, is a tournament within the regular season where all 30 teams are divided into six groups for round-robin play. The top team from each group advances to a single-elimination bracket. While it doesn’t affect playoff seeding, it offers bonus prize money, stat-tracking incentives, and early-season momentum — making games like Dallas’s win over New Orleans far more meaningful than they appear on the surface.
Who is Cooper Flagg, and how did he get to the NBA so young?
Cooper Flagg is a 6’7" forward from Maine who was the consensus No. 1 high school recruit in 2024. He bypassed college entirely and declared for the draft, becoming the first top-2 pick since 2001 to enter the NBA directly from high school. His elite athleticism, basketball IQ, and defensive versatility made him a rare prospect — and his early NBA success suggests he may be the next generational talent in Dallas.
What’s next for the Mavericks after this win?
Dallas faces the Memphis Grizzlies on November 23, 2025, in their next Emirates NBA Cup group game. A win would put them at 2-0 in the tournament and potentially lock up a top-three finish in their group. More importantly, it could spark a confidence shift in a team that’s struggled all season. With Flagg heating up and Washington playing at an All-Star level, the Mavericks might be more dangerous than their 5-12 record suggests.
How did Zion Williamson’s performance compare to Flagg’s?
Zion scored 21 points in 32 minutes, including a critical five-point surge late in the fourth quarter. But he was held to just 7-of-18 shooting and had four turnovers. Flagg, by contrast, shot 11-of-21, had zero turnovers, and played 38 minutes — including the entire final five minutes. While Zion showed flashes of dominance, Flagg’s all-around control and poise under pressure made him the decisive factor in the outcome.
Is this win a fluke, or a sign of real progress for the Mavericks?
It’s not a fluke. Dallas has lost 11 of 13 games, but this was their most complete performance of the season — balanced scoring, defensive intensity, and clutch execution. Flagg’s emergence, Washington’s consistency, and Gaffford’s late impact suggest the team is finally finding its identity. If they can replicate this effort against Memphis, it could be the spark that turns their season around.
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