Cooper Flagg Leads Dallas Mavericks' Summer League Push

The Dallas Mavericks are building their future around Cooper Flagg, and their NBA Summer League performance reflects that focus. After a 2-2 start, the Mavs are looking to close strong against the New York Knicks on Friday, July 18, 2026, at the Thomas & Mack Center.

What happened in Summer League so far?

The Mavericks kicked off their Summer League slate with a 90-71 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on July 13. Despite a close halftime score (47-44), the Lakers pulled away in the second half, led by Arthur Kaluma’s 34 points. Cooper Flagg’s presence was felt, though foul trouble limited Morez Johnson Jr.’s impact.

Dallas bounced back with a 96-88 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on July 15. Darin Green Jr. led the way with 18 points, while former Maverick Olivier-Maxence Prosper shined for Memphis. The Mavs followed that up with a 97-87 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on July 17, led by John Poulakidas’ 19 points.

Why Cooper Flagg is central to the Mavs' plans

Cooper Flagg’s development is a cornerstone of Dallas’ strategy. The team is balancing youth with veteran leadership, aiming for a deep playoff run in the 2026-27 season. Flagg’s performance in Summer League will be key to shaping the Mavs’ future.

What’s next for the Mavericks?

The Mavericks face the New York Knicks on Friday, July 18, in their final Summer League game. With a 2-2 record, they’ll look to end on a high note before shifting focus to the upcoming season. The Western Conference remains competitive, but Dallas believes Flagg can help them challenge for a title.