Thunder Limits Mavericks Rookie Cooper Flagg to 2 Points

Rookie No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg struggled in Dallas’ 101-94 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, finishing with 2 points on 1‑for‑9 shooting (0‑for‑3 from three) in 31 minutes with a -20 plus‑minus. Flagg left the game with a heavily wrapped, sore left shoulder after an early collision, said he feels "just a little sore," will get scans, and was held out of crunch time by coach Jason Kidd. Oklahoma City’s stifling defense contained Flagg, highlighted by a Chet Holmgren poster dunk over him and a 23‑point outing from Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander as the Thunder improved to 4‑0. Teammates defended Flagg — Max Christie urged the group to get him more open and reduce his stress — while Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised Flagg’s talent and called for patience.