The Dallas Mavericks’ No. 1 pick saw his sensational rookie season cut short in the finale…Yankee Scores reports.
Flagg Injures Ankle in Season Finale
Cooper Flagg limped off the court Sunday night against Chicago after spraining his left ankle in the second quarter. The Mavericks quickly ruled him out, ending his debut campaign just shy of the finish line.
Before leaving, Flagg had already scored 10 points and grabbed four rebounds in only 10 minutes. He closes his rookie season averaging 21.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists across 70 games.
Cooper Flagg rookie season has come to an end after he turned his ankle pic.twitter.com/iTx37cDgM1
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) April 13, 2026
Rookie of the Year Race
The 19-year-old remains locked in a tight Rookie of the Year battle with former Duke teammate Kon Knueppel. Flagg’s case is strong, highlighted by his historic scoring feats. Just weeks ago, he erupted for 51 points against Orlando, becoming the first teenager in NBA history to score at least 50 in a game.
He also passed LeBron James for the most 40-point games by a teenager, finishing with four. “Flagg and Michael Jordan are the only two rookies to record multiple games of at least 45 points since the NBA-ABA merger,” according to league records.
Mavericks’ Season of Struggles
Dallas entered the year with high expectations but faltered after Anthony Davis’ injury woes and eventual trade to Washington. Kyrie Irving was sidelined for the season following an ACL tear in March 2025, leaving Flagg to carry the load.
Despite the team’s slide out of playoff contention, Flagg kept fans buzzing with his performances. His 96 points over two games late in the season underscored his ability to dominate even as a teenager.
Looking Ahead
The Mavericks may have stumbled, but Flagg’s rookie campaign will be remembered for rewriting record books. From Duke’s Final Four run to his NBA scoring milestones, he has already carved out a place in history.
Now, all eyes turn to his recovery and the Rookie of the Year announcement, a race that could define the next era of the NBA.
