Flagg makes Mavs admission after disappointing debut: “Not great”

Moving into the elite is not easy, Flagg will undoubtedly tell you. Despite having bagged a number of records in the lower levels, the Number 1 Draft pick’s debut for the Mavs wasn’t a dream performance. Overshadowed by seasoned NBA players, Flagg admitted that his game was “not great” in a downbeat interview to the post-match media huddle.

“Not great,” the youngster said when asked to sum up his performance in the 92-125 loss at American Airlines Center. “Obviously, didn’t play incredibly well, but we’ve got to move past it, turn our focus and start looking toward Friday [against the Washington Wizards]."

Flagg “seemed a lot more poised than I thought he would be”

The game began with promise as Flagg initiated a fast break, passing to Anthony Davis for a lob. However, the play ended in disappointment when Flagg missed the dunk and landed awkwardly, a moment that seemed to set the tone for the evening.

Throughout the first half, Flagg struggled to find his rhythm, failing to score. He eventually finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds, but his shooting was inefficient, hitting only 4 of 13 attempts.

Flagg’s on-court rival, Stephon Castle, admitted of the 18-year-old that “he didn’t shoot the ball well, but he seemed a lot more poised than I thought he would be. I mean, my first game I was out there nervous. He made some good reads. He didn’t seem too rattled, so I think he’ll have a great year.” Castle himself out up 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists in 29 minutes of play.

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Flagg’s debut was overshadowed by a simply stunning performance from Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama, who scored 40 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in what was his first regular-season game since he had his 2024-25 season cut short due to deep vein thrombosis.

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