Cooper Flagg helped the Dallas Mavericks to a 100-93 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday. The No. 1 pick of the 2025 NBA draft contributed 24 points, four steals, three rebounds and two assists. Flagg’s two-way excellence was key for the Mavs’ victory that ended a five-game losing slump.
After the game, the rookie responded when asked by Mavs insider Brad Townsend if “Blue Devil Magic” was felt in Portland:
“I guess so. Two Duke wins, and the Dallas Blue Devils won, as well.”
Before the Mavericks-Blazers game ended, the Duke Blue Devils men’s and women’s basketball teams won in their respective Sweet 16 games. The men’s team, ranked No. 1 in the NCAA tournament, eked past No. 5 St. John’s to advance to the Elite 8. The third-seeded women’s team outlasted No. 2 LSU 87-85 to also move into the next round.
Cooper Flagg was unsurprisingly aware of how his former school did in the NCAA tournament on Friday. Last year, Flagg was part of the No.1-ranked Blue Devils men’s team that suffered a 70-67 Final Four upset loss to the Houston Cougars.
On Friday, he couldn’t resist but give the Mavericks’ win a little Blue Devils flavor.
Fans React to Cooper Flagg’s Performance Against Blazers
Cooper Flagg’s superb outing against the Portland Trail Blazers did not go unnoticed. One fan reacted to his impressive play:
“Best White Player in the League.”
Another fan added:
“It’s a miracle this kid is averaging 20ppg playing without a reliable PG and surrounded by ball hogs and vets, who constantly ignore him.”
One more fan continued:
“ROTY easy.”
Another fan commented:
“Impressive night for Flagg. Dominant all around.”
One fan tweeted:
“2-Way Demon.”
The win against the Blazers improved the Mavericks’ record to 24-50 for the 13th spot in the Western Conference. Although the Mavs are headed for another exit before the playoffs, Flagg still has something to play for.
Dallas’ versatile forward is still putting up numbers to back up his Rookie of the Year case. While Flagg is doing his best, his teammates are also trying to help him. In a tight race for the award with former Duke teammate and now Charlotte Hornets star Kon Knueppel, Flagg is hoping the last few games will give him the advantage.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball and college baseball.
