Cooper Flagg’s Mysterious Injury Sidelines Him in Critical Mavericks vs. Nuggets Clash—What It Means for the Season

In a game that held plenty of promise, Dallas Mavericks’ rookie sensation Cooper Flagg found himself sidelined after sustaining a sprained left ankle during their tough clash with the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday. It’s a rough break — and honestly, seeing him leave the court mid-game, wincing in pain, was the kind of moment that grabs your attention. Coach Jason Kidd revealed that Flagg initially tweaked his left foot just days earlier in a win over the Brooklyn Nets, then took a bad step with just over six minutes left in the second quarter against Denver. Despite his brief return, it was clear the injury was nagging him — he sat out the rest of the contest, never even reaching the bench again. Kidd’s comments about Flagg stepping on a player’s foot and the decision to hold him in the second half highlight how cautious the team is being — smart move, given how valuable this rookie has already become. And with fellow Maverick Daniel Gafford also leaving the arena nursing an ankle injury, it’s been a night full of concerns for Dallas as they fell to Denver, 118-109. Flagg, riding high as the number one pick of the NBA Draft, has been nothing short of stellar, averaging 19.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists — a bona fide frontrunner for Rookie of the Year despite the team’s trials. This setback certainly puts a wrinkle in their season, but knowing the kid’s grit, you can bet he’s already plotting his comeback. LEARN MORE

Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg left the team’s loss to the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday with a sprained left ankle.

Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said Flagg initially hurt his left foot during Monday’s victory over the Brooklyn Nets then landed awkwardly on it with 6:01 remaining in the second quarter against the Nuggets. Flagg grabbed the ankle for a few moments while grimacing in pain.

Flagg returned later in the second quarter but was clearly struggling with the injury. He did not play in the second half and did not return to the bench.

“He stepped on someone’s foot and so I think last game he twisted his ankle, too,” Kidd told reporters after the game. “So they decided to hold him for the second half.”

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Mavericks center Daniel Gafford also left with an ankle injury. The Nuggets beat the Mavs 118-109.

Flagg has lived up to his status as the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft, averaging 19.1 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists. Despite the Mavericks’ struggles, he is the favorite for this season’s Rookie of the Year award.