Cooper Flagg Sidelined with Left Shoulder Sprain
The Mavericks' star player will miss the team's home opener and be reevaluated next week after an injury sustained during Friday night's game.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg has been ruled out of Saturday's home opener against the San Antonio Spurs due to a left shoulder sprain, the team announced. Flagg will be reevaluated next week.
The injury occurred late in the second quarter of the Mavericks' game against the Indiana Pacers on Friday night. Flagg was fouled hard from behind by Pacers swingman Aaron Nesmith on a dunk attempt, causing him to crash to the floor and land awkwardly on his left shoulder. Nesmith was assessed a flagrant 1 foul for the play.
Following the foul, Mavericks forward Naji Marshall confronted Nesmith, leading to a brief shoving match between the teams. Flagg remained in the game to shoot free throws but did not return for the second half.
Mavericks coach Dusty May acknowledged the play was unfortunate but expressed optimism about Flagg's spirits. "Hopefully, Coop’s fine… He’s in good spirits. We’ll know in the next couple days what’s next," May said after the game.
The injury interrupts a strong start to Flagg's second NBA season. The 19-year-old scored a franchise record 32 points in the season-opening loss to the Houston Rockets. In the game against the Pacers before his injury, Flagg recorded 14 points, five rebounds, six assists, three steals, and a block in 17 minutes.
