Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg posts historic stat line in Christmas Day Warriors game

The Dallas Mavericks’ Christmas Day trip to Chase Center ended in a disappointing 126–116 loss to the Golden State Warriors. The loss dropped Dallas to 4–5 all-time on Christmas Day and 12-20 on the season.

Loss aside, rookie Cooper Flagg had a night to remember, making history with his stat line of 27 points, six rebounds, five assists, and a block in 36 minutes. He shot efficiently, finishing 13-of-21 from the field (67%) and committing just one turnover. With that, Flagg became the first rookie since Pete Maravich in 1970 to record at least 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists in a Christmas Day game. Overall, only Maravich and Oscar Robertson had previously achieved that combination as rookies on the holiday. Flagg also became the youngest player to appear on Christmas Day since LeBron James in 2003 and the fourth-youngest player overall to play on the date.

The Mavericks relied on Flagg after Anthony Davis exited early in the second quarter with right groin spasms and did not return. Davis finished with three points and three rebounds on 1-for-4 shooting and 1-for-4 from the free-throw line in just under 11 minutes. His early exit meant Dallas had to count on their perimeter stars and bench players to carry the load. Flagg responded by scoring 10 points in the second quarter alone and eight points in a two-minute stretch late in the first half to keep the deficit manageable.

Coming off the pine, Brandon Williams provided some much-needed energy, scoring a season-high 26 points on 9-of-12 shooting. Naji Marshall scored 14 points, including several baskets during the Mavericks’ brief second-quarter push, and PJ Washington also finished with 14. For all those contributions, the Mavericks couldn’t get it going from long range, hitting just four of 14 three-point attempts, while Golden State drained 14, and that gap pretty much decided the game.

The Warriors placed seven players in double figures and were led by Stephen Curry’s 23 points. Playing in his 12th Christmas Day game, Curry also surpassed the 26,000-point mark for his career. Al Horford, returning after missing seven games with right sciatica nerve irritation, swung the first quarter by hitting four consecutive three-pointers in five minutes, helping Golden State build a 40–28 lead after one.

Facing his former team, Klay Thompson scored seven points off the bench, while Max Christie contributed 13 points and six rebounds for Dallas after returning from illness.

The Mavericks cut a 17-point chasm to five midway through the fourth quarter, but Curry’s 26-foot three restored an 11-point cushion and put the nail in the coffin.

Next up, Dallas faces the Sacramento Kings on Saturday, and the Warriors play the Toronto Raptors.

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