Dallas Mavericks’ standout rookie Cooper Flagg exited Wednesday night’s game against the Denver Nuggets after suffering a left ankle sprain, the team confirmed in a mid-game announcement. Flagg, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and one of the Mavericks’ key offensive weapons this season, was forced to leave the court late in the second quarter and did not return for the remainder of the contest.
The injury occurred at the 6:01 mark of the second quarter as Flagg attempted to defend Nuggets wing Peyton Watson. After rolling his left ankle on a lateral movement, he limped to the bench and was evaluated before briefly returning to the game right before halftime. Shortly after that, Mavericks officials ruled him out for the second half.
Prior to the injury, Flagg contributed six points on 3-of-9 shooting, along with one rebound, one assist and one block in roughly 15 minutes of action. The 19-year-old has been averaging close to 19.1 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists this season, drawing praise for stepping up amid a slew of team injuries.
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Early Signs and Immediate Impact
Flagg’s left ankle has been a concern throughout this stretch of games. Two nights earlier, he appeared to aggravate the same ankle, leaving briefly to have it taped before returning to finish a victory against the Brooklyn Nets, where he scored a team-high 27 points. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd acknowledged the issue after that game, noting Flagg’s resilience but hinting at caution in managing his minutes moving forward.
In Wednesday’s matchup, Flagg’s injury forced an already thin Mavericks rotation to compress further. With multiple veterans already sidelined, Dallas turned to reserve pieces and secondary scorers for offensive production in the absence of their rookie sensation.
Despite the limited time on the court before exiting, Flagg’s presence was felt early. His ability to create off the dribble, rebound through traffic and facilitate for teammates has been central to Dallas’ offensive identity this season. Though the full severity of the sprain has not yet been disclosed, the immediate ruling out of the game signaled that the Mavericks intend to exercise caution while assessing the injury.
Mavericks’ Broader Injury Context
Flagg’s ankle sprain compounds a challenging injury landscape for the Mavericks. Earlier in the game, teammate Daniel Gafford left with a right ankle sprain, another lingering issue from training camp. Additionally, Dallas has been missing veteran frontcourt contributors for substantial stretches, including Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II. The cumulative effect has placed extra physical and mental demands on the Maverick lineup, particularly on younger players like Flagg.
Flagg’s absence was a key narrative in Dallas’ 118-109 loss to Denver, as the Mavericks saw their offensive rhythm falter in the second half without his scoring and playmaking presence. With Gafford also unavailable for large portions of the game, Dallas relied heavily on players like Naji Marshall, P.J. Washington and Jaden Hardy to fill the void.
The broader impact on the Mavericks’ short-term schedule remains unclear. The team faces a back-to-back scenario with a road contest against the Utah Jazz on Thursday. Dallas medical staff and coaching officials have yet to provide clarity on Flagg’s status for that matchup, though caution is expected given the recent injury history and the grinding NHL-style schedule.
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Cooper Flagg’s Development and Long-Term Implications
Cooper Flagg’s rapid ascent to frontline NBA contributor has been one of the storylines of his rookie season. After a decorated high school and Duke University career that culminated in a No. 1 overall selection, he has quickly adapted to the professional level, finding a role as a primary creator on a young Mavericks team.
However, managing his health becomes paramount as Dallas navigates the rigors of an 82-game regular season. Left ankle injuries, especially recurring sprains, can linger and impact a player’s lateral mobility — a crucial element for wings and forwards who thrive on defensive versatility and slashing offense. The Mavericks will likely consider a cautious path forward with Flagg’s recovery over the coming days.
As of now, team officials have not provided an extended timeline for Flagg’s return to action. Further updates are expected following additional evaluations and imaging, which will help determine whether this sprain is minor or necessitates a longer reprieve from game action.
Work continues behind the scenes on Flagg’s injury status, with Mavericks insiders and NBA circles closely watching for any news that could shape Dallas’ playoff hopes and Flagg’s rookie campaign trajectory.
