Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg experienced the highs and lows of NBA life in consecutive games, as the 18-year-old wing followed a career-best performance with a tough outing against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

After posting 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists in a win over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, Flagg shot just 1 of 9 from the field and scored 2 points in Monday’s 101–94 loss to the defending champions. The game marked the tail end of his first NBA back-to-back, and Flagg struggled to find his rhythm while nursing a left shoulder injury sustained on the game’s opening possession.

Shoulder Injury and Bench Decision

Flagg’s shoulder pain became noticeable early, as he was seen holding it during the first half and later wore a heat wrap while sitting on the bench. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd ultimately decided to sit Flagg during crunch time, citing that it “wasn’t his night tonight,” per ESPN. Kidd praised the rookie for trying to tough it out and contributing as a supportive teammate from the sidelines.

Flagg confirmed he expected to return for Dallas’ next game against the Indiana Pacers, noting that his performance was affected by being “a little flat” and “a little banged up,” according to The Associated Press. He also mentioned that he likely would get scans for his shoulder to ensure there was no serious damage.

Rookie Struggles and Learning Curve

The first back-to-back experience underscores the challenges rookies face adjusting to the NBA schedule and intensity. Flagg missed all three of his three-point attempts and did not attempt a free throw, record an assist, or register a block in his 31 minutes of action. Despite his limited impact on the stat sheet, Flagg remained engaged, cheering on teammates during Dallas’ second-half rally, which cut a 22-point deficit to just one point late in the game.

Flagg acknowledged Kidd’s decision to keep him on the bench late, saying, “I was flat. I wasn’t myself. I wasn’t impacting the game at a high level. So obviously, that’s an easy decision for Coach. He was just out there trying to win the game.”

Mavericks’ Early-Season Context

Dallas fell to 1–3 after the loss to Oklahoma City, highlighting the challenges the team faces early in the 2025–26 season. As a highly-touted No. 1 overall draft pick, Flagg has drawn attention for his scoring ability, athleticism, and defensive potential. This early setback, however, is part of the learning curve that comes with transitioning from college basketball at Duke University to the professional ranks.

As Flagg continues to develop, fans and analysts will be closely monitoring his rookie season performance, injury management, and role in the Mavericks’ rotation.