Courtside seats went for $2,500. The hype was real. Cooper Flagg versus Bronny James under the Vegas lights in what everyone called the Summer League matchup of the year. But when the dust settled on the Dallas Mavericks’ narrow 87-85 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers Thursday night, it wasn’t Flagg’s highlight reel that had fans talking.
How Did Cooper Flagg’s Shooting Struggles Overshadow His Summer League Debut?
With all eyes on him in his first game wearing a Dallas jersey, Flagg’s debut became one of the most anticipated in recent Summer League history. After 32 minutes on the court, however, his shooting numbers dominated the conversation for all the wrong reasons.
Flagg managed 10 points on 5-of-21 shooting, including a brutal 0-for-5 from three-point range. The No. 1 overall pick didn’t sugarcoat his performance afterward.
“That might be one of the worst games of my life. But we got the win, so that’s what really matters to me,” Flagg told reporters postgame, still processing what went wrong on the court.
Despite the Mavericks walking away with the victory, Flagg took full responsibility for his struggles.
“I couldn’t really get into a rhythm,” Flagg admitted. “It’s a different environment.”
The shooting woes didn’t tell the complete story, though. Flagg still managed to impact the game in multiple ways, pulling down six rebounds, dishing four assists, recording three steals, and swatting a shot during crunch time. His all-around contributions kept him involved even when his jumper wasn’t falling.
What Did NBA Fans Say About Flagg’s Performance Online?
Social media didn’t waste any time dissecting Flagg’s debut. The criticism came fast and harsh from fans who expected more from the top pick.
One fan summed it up bluntly: “Horrible game from the kid.”
Cooper Flagg drops 10 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST, 3 STL, 1 BLK in his Summer League debut as the Mavericks get the WIN over the Bronny & the Lakers 💪 pic.twitter.com/uMkvhdmtTj
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) July 11, 2025
Another was more direct with his assessment: “Overrated Flagg.”
The criticism extended beyond just Flagg’s performance. A third fan took shots at Basketball Forever’s graphics team, writing: “Bronny played better than Cooper brah, get this graphic out my f*****g face.”
Some of the harshest commentary came from fans questioning his overall skill set. One of the most brutal takes read: “5/21 is dog s*. He has no bag and can’t shoot for s***. He can’t bully-ball grown men in the NBA like he did those little white kids in high school.”
Another fan kept his criticism short and straightforward: “While shooting 5/21.”
However, not everyone was ready to write off the rookie after one game. Despite the poor shooting night, Mavericks Summer League coach Josh Broghamer saw positives in Flagg’s approach.
“I think he just makes the right play over and over again, and shots will fall,” Broghamer said. “He makes winning plays, whether it’s offense or defense.”
The coach had a point. Flagg showed flashes of his potential throughout the game. His first bucket came on an impressive coast-to-coast dunk through traffic. He also backed down Dalton Knecht for a post fade and drew gasps from the crowd with a thunderous poster attempt in the second quarter.
However, consistency remained elusive for both highly touted rookies. Neither Flagg nor James scored a single point in the second half, highlighting both players’ adjustment challenges.
Still, the night wasn’t entirely negative for Flagg. He made crucial plays when it mattered most, including a key block and assist in the final 90 seconds. These moments showed why Dallas selected him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
The Mavericks return to action Saturday, July 12 at 4 p.m. ET against the San Antonio Spurs. If Flagg can find his shooting rhythm by then, the narrative surrounding his Summer League debut could change quickly.
