Dallas Mavericks Not Concerned About Opening Night Blunder
The Dallas Mavericks aren’t concerned about their opening night blunder against the San Antonio Spurs. And Jason Kidd isn’t worried about his jumbo lineup featuring Cooper Flagg as the point guard. After Thursday’s practice, Kidd said he feels comfortable moving forward with the 18-year-old rookie in that role.
“I thought he did a really good job of trying to get others involved,” Kidd said. “We were in foul trouble three minutes into the game. It changes the dynamics of the rotation. We gotta look at Game 2 if we can stay out of foul trouble.”
Cooper Flagg’s New Role
Max Christie, who finished with nine points on three 3-pointers, said Wednesday’s practice was more mental since they reviewed film. He also wanted to shed light on Flagg’s new role as a primary facilitator. It’s a new experience despite his short bursts initiating offense in the past.
“It’s the first game,” Christie said. “He’s 18 years old and we’re putting him in a tough spot. We ask him to do a lot to run the point guard position. I wouldn’t say it’s his natural position.”
Flagg played forward for the majority of his basketball career in high school and college, but he’s always possessed an ability to make accurate reads and initiate offense in spurts. He’ll have a chance to face an opponent with a lower level of difficulty in the Wizards.
Upcoming Game Against Washington Wizards
Washington finished with the second-worst record in the NBA last season and drafted Lake Highlands native Tre Johnson with the 12th overall pick. The Wizards enter Friday’s game coming off a season-opening 133-120 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Kidd is aware of the offensive firepower on the other end and wants his team to be prepared.
“Washington has a couple of vets over there that can put the ball in the basket in CJ [McCollum] and [Khris] Middleton. They can score,” Kidd said. “Being able to protect the paint, take them off the 3-point line and offensively, we gotta get in a flow.
“It’s not the Washington of old. They’re a team that can put up a lot of points.”
Mavericks
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The Dallas Mavericks host the Washington Wizards in their second home game of the 2025-26 season.
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Conclusion
The Dallas Mavericks are moving forward with their jumbo lineup featuring Cooper Flagg as the point guard. Despite their opening night blunder, they are not concerned and are focused on their upcoming game against the Washington Wizards. With Flagg’s ability to make accurate reads and initiate offense, the Mavericks are looking to get in a flow and protect the paint against the Wizards’ offensive firepower.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Cooper Flagg and what is his role in the Mavericks lineup?
A: Cooper Flagg is an 18-year-old rookie who is playing as the point guard in the Mavericks lineup. He is not a natural point guard, but has the ability to make accurate reads and initiate offense.
Q: What is the Mavericks’ strategy going into their game against the Washington Wizards?
A: The Mavericks are looking to protect the paint and take the Wizards off the 3-point line. They also want to get in a flow offensively and stay out of foul trouble.
Q: Who are some key players to watch in
