Kyrie Irving has seen plenty of talented players throughout his NBA career, and he can spot rare talent when he sees it. It was Cooper Flagg’s competitive drive that has already stood out to the Dallas Mavericks veteran.

The 19-year-old showed that quality again Friday, helping Dallas hand the Houston Rockets their first loss of the season.

After the game, Irving praised Flagg's ability to embrace high-pressure moments despite having limited NBA experience. The rookie has played only 75 games in the league, but Irving believes his approach separates him from other young players.

“I always speak on his competitor nature, it’s very rare,” Irving said. “You have guys that are very talented and do a lot of great things athletically — but that competitive nature and drive to want to be the best, to want to win games, to want to do the little things, that comes from within. I think he exudes it sometimes she look at him and he looks tired and then he makes an outstanding play. It just helps settle us in. His IQ and his competitive nature has put them in the spot today and I don’t think the pressure really bothers him.”

Cooper Flagg is just 19-years-old with only 75 games of experience in the NBA.

Kyrie Irving is an established clutch shooter and talks about Flagg’s confidence in those crucial moments as a teenager.

“I always speak on his competitor nature, it’s very rare. You have guys that… pic.twitter.com/KxfHkFdV3b

— Abby Jones (@_abigaiiiil) October 31, 2026

Irving scored 35 points, while Flagg added 33 as the Mavericks rallied for a 116-111 win in their NBA Cup opener. The two combined for 68 points, with Flagg delivering several important plays down the stretch.

Article Continues Below

He shot 13-of-19 from the field and grabbed nine rebounds, including a crucial three-point play with 1:40 remaining that helped Dallas build a five-point lead.

He also hit a turnaround jumper with 24.3 seconds left after Amen Thompson missed two free throws that could have tied the game. Those plays proved important as the Rockets struggled from the line late.

Irving delivered alongside him, scoring 26 of his 35 points in the second half. He also added nine assists and shot 5-of-8 from beyond the arc.