Mavs Lose to Spurs in Defensive Showdown of Top Picks

Cooper Flagg Shines in Second Summer League Game, but Mavs Fall to Spurs

In his second game of the NBA Summer League, top draft pick Cooper Flagg once again showcased his talent and potential. However, despite a stellar 31-point performance, the Dallas Mavericks were unable to overcome the strong defensive efforts of the San Antonio Spurs in a 76-69 loss on Saturday in Las Vegas.

The matchup between the two top picks from the 2025 Draft was highly anticipated, with Flagg representing the Mavericks and Dylan Harper of the Spurs making his debut. Harper lived up to expectations with a standout two-way performance, using his size and agility to make an immediate impact. He was supported by versatile forward Carter Bryant, the No. 11 overall pick, whose aggressive play helped limit Dallas to just 36.9% shooting for the game.

Flagg had a strong start in the second quarter, helping the Mavs turn things around after a slow first quarter. The team outscored the Spurs 21-12 in the second period, with Flagg contributing 12 points. He also hit his first three-pointer of the summer, following a rough start from beyond the arc. Despite some struggles at the free-throw line, Flagg showed improvement in his shooting as the game progressed.

San Antonio maintained a narrow lead at halftime, 33-32, and extended it in the third quarter with a 26-17 run. This gave them a 59-49 advantage heading into the final quarter. Although the Mavs made several attempts to close the gap, the Spurs’ disciplined play and ball control secured the win in a low-scoring contest.

Flagg played 30 minutes, continuing to show signs of growth after his 10-point debut. He shot 10-of-21 from the field, including three made threes, to finish with a game-high 31 points. In addition to four rebounds, one assist, and one block, Flagg demonstrated a more confident approach by attacking the basket and drawing fouls frequently.

However, Flagg's offensive output wasn’t matched by his teammates. Ryan Nembhard, who led the team in scoring in the previous game, struggled with his shot, finishing 1-of-10 from the field. Despite this, he contributed seven assists, showing his playmaking ability.

Harper and Bryant proved to be a formidable duo for the Spurs, playing with discipline and intensity throughout the game. Their defense disrupted the Mavs' rhythm, with multiple highlight-reel blocks and strong pressure on the ball-handler. A notable moment came when Carter faced off against Flagg, showcasing his length and quickness to create turnovers and disrupt plays.

Harper, despite a 5-of-12 shooting performance, added 16 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block. His all-around contributions were key to the Spurs' victory. Meanwhile, Carter’s impact went beyond the box score, as his ability to force turnovers and break possessions highlighted his potential for future success.

Summer League games often emphasize defense, as many players are vying for roster spots or training camp invitations. The determination and hustle displayed by the non-top picks can leave a lasting impression on coaching staffs.

For Flagg, this game further solidified his readiness to contribute meaningfully to the Mavs. His performance demonstrated that he has the skills and mindset to thrive in a competitive environment.

Looking ahead, the Mavericks will face the Charlotte Hornets in their next Summer League game on Monday, July 14, at 5:30 p.m. CT on NBA TV. Fans will be eager to see how Flagg and the rest of the team continue to develop throughout the tournament.