**Dallas Mavericks No. 1 Pick Cooper Flagg Issues Defiant Statement After Career-Best NBA Performance Against Giannis Antetokounmpo**
The Dallas Mavericks’ top draft pick, Cooper Flagg, delivered a standout performance on Monday night in a closely contested game against two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite the Mavericks falling just short, losing 116-114, Flagg showed remarkable poise and skill, posting 26 points, nine rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block while shooting an impressive 60.0% from the field.
Flagg’s clutch play included hitting the go-ahead shot over Antetokounmpo with 29 seconds remaining, giving Dallas a brief one-point lead late in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, the Mavericks were unable to maintain their advantage. Following a key turnover by Flagg—after a potential no-call by the referees—the Bucks surged ahead with a three-point lead. In the final possession, Giannis fouled P.J. Washington, who made only one of two free throws, sealing Milwaukee’s narrow two-point victory.
With the loss, Dallas’ record dropped to 3-8 amid what has been a challenging start for the young team.
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### Flagg Reacts to Growing Pains and Sets Focus on Growth
For Cooper Flagg, who enjoyed tremendous success in high school and college, the transition to the NBA has come with expected ups and downs. Despite the loss, the rookie remained level-headed and committed to reaching his full potential.
“It’s been tough, but all I can do is keep working, keep showing up, keep getting in the gym, trusting the reps, trusting the work, getting with the coaches, watching film and just continue to be confident,” Flagg said. “I know who I am and what I’m capable of.”
Flagg entered the league as a generational prospect and the consensus No. 1 pick in the draft. The 18-year-old has developed steadily, though perhaps at a slower pace than some anticipated. Prior to Monday’s breakout game, Flagg was averaging 13.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists on 40.3% shooting. Now, with a career-best performance fueling his confidence, he aims to build momentum for the long grind ahead—71 games remain in the regular season.
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### Giannis Antetokounmpo Praises Cooper Flagg After Epic Duel
The matchup also marked the first-ever meeting between Flagg and Giannis Antetokounmpo, who impressed with a stat line of 30 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and three blocks on 61.1% shooting. After the game, Giannis expressed admiration for Flagg’s all-around game and predicted a bright future for the rookie.
“Cooper’s got a high ceiling,” Antetokounmpo remarked, applauding the young star’s versatility and determination.
Antetokounmpo also lauded the impact of Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd, who has played a key role in his own development as a young player. Giannis believes that Kidd’s guidance will be instrumental in helping Flagg realize his full potential, especially given the trust the coaching staff has shown Flagg in clutch moments.
“There have been many talented players who never quite reached their potential due to limited exposure,” Antetokounmpo noted, “but with Kidd and his staff behind him, Cooper won’t experience that.”
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As Cooper Flagg continues to evolve and gain experience, Mavericks fans have plenty of reasons to stay optimistic about the future of their young star and the team’s potential in the seasons to come.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-i-know-who-i-am-cooper-flagg-turns-heads-with-defiant-statement-after-career-night-against-giannis-antetokounmpo
