Cooper Flagg entered the league with massive expectations after being selected first overall in the 2025 NBA Draft to be the new face of the Dallas Mavericks. So far, the 18-year-old phenom has proven to be a worthwhile investment, as he is quickly blossoming into of the league’s brightest stars.
Through the first quarter of the 2025 season, Flagg is averaging 17.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists, while shooting an impressive 47.5 percent from the floor.
While his scoring prowess and heavy usage is not surprising for a highly-touted former lottery pick, Flagg is excelling in an area where few rookies (or even players) thrive.
Despite being the league’s youngest player, Flagg is quickly establishing himself as a reliable closer in Dallas, as his advanced metrics reflect the rookie’s efficiency in clutch situations.
So far this season, Flagg holds the rookie lead with 52 points in clutch situations. Only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cade Cunningham and Tyrese Maxey have more points in such situations.
Not only is the Mavericks rookie scoring in bunches in the fourth quarter, but he is doing so at a hyper efficient rate.
The former Duke standout is shooting an absurd 59 percent in clutch situations. He is the only player with 50+ points on 55+ percent shooting in the clutch this season.
“We’ve leaned on him on both ends of the ball,” Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said for The Athletic. “Offensively, being able to score, and defensively, coming up with a big block. He makes winning plays. Not just in the clutch, but throughout the game.”
Cooper Flagg is Evolving into the Mavericks’ Closer
GettyCooper Flagg leads all rookies in clutch situation field goal percentage
Although Anthony Davis is arguably the Mavericks’ most talented player, Flagg has been the team’s top option in the clutch, and the reigning Rookie of the Month figures to be Dallas’ closer in the short and long term future.
His 16 field goals made in clutch situations trails only Gilgeous-Alexander, Cunningham, Maxey and Anthony Edwards. Additionally, the Mavericks rookie has logged the second-most minutes (73.1) and rebounds (20) in clutch situations.
Flagg has scored the second-most fourth-quarter points among rookies, trailing first-year Pelicans center Derik Queen.
“He’s playing free,” Anthony Davis said of his teammate Flagg following a Dec. 7 victory over the Rockets. “He’s gonna draw a lot of attention because of who he is. He has a target on his back and [opposing teams] are gonna put the toughest wing defender on him.”
Davis also praised the rookie’s clutch play and insatiable desire to improve.
“He’s making big plays… he wants to be held accountable and he wants to be great.”
Dallas boasts a 6-2 record when Flagg scores 20+ points, highlighting his ability to take over and lead the Mavericks.
“He’s done it his whole life,” Ryan Nembhard told The Athletic. “Montverde (Academy, where Flagg went to high school), he didn’t lose. Duke, he barely lost. I’m sure he didn’t lose when he was in Maine. He does it on both ends of the floor consistently every single night. That’s special for an 18-year-old.
“People forget he’s 18. He shouldn’t even be here right now. It’s crazy what he’s doing.”
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