Two of the most talked-about young stars in basketball could clash in Las Vegas as Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper face off for the first time in their NBA careers. The Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs will meet at the Thomas & Mack Center on Saturday in the most anticipated matchup of the NBA Summer League.

Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, is coming off a gritty debut performance that helped lift the Mavericks to an 87-85 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Harper, the No. 2 pick, is set to make his Summer League debut after sitting out the Spurs’ earlier games due to a groin injury.

How to Watch Dallas Mavericks vs. San Antonio Spurs at Summer League

Date: Saturday, July 12
Time: 3 p.m. CT
Location: Thomas & Mack Center — Las Vegas, NV
TV Channel: ESPN
Live Stream: MavsTV, ESPN+

Cooper Flagg Looks to Build on Tough-but-Telling Debut

Despite a rough shooting night, Flagg stuffed the stat sheet in his first Summer League game. He tallied 10 points on 5-of-21 shooting, adding six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and a block in 32 minutes. His presence was especially felt late, including a critical block in the final minute that led to Ryan Nembhard’s go-ahead 3-pointer.

“I would say that might be one of the worst games of my life,” Flagg said. “But we got the win, so that’s what really matters to me. My teammates — Miles, Ryan, Jordan — they held it down.”

Flagg attacked early and often, showing flashes of creativity and assertiveness that the Mavericks hope to cultivate throughout the Summer League.

“The coaches had a lot of confidence in me,” Flagg said. “They’ve been telling me they want me to experiment, try some new things.”

Despite the tough shooting line, Flagg welcomed the pressure, including being picked up full court and being forced to adapt to NBA-level spacing and physicality.

“Shots weren’t falling, but that’s going to happen. It is somewhat new to me,” he added. “I probably haven’t taken that many shots before, so I’m trying to figure it out.”

Dylan Harper Set for Limited Debut

After sitting out the Spurs’ California Classic slate and their Summer League opener due to a groin injury, Dylan Harper is expected to debut on Saturday against the Mavericks. The No. 2 overall pick has been cleared to play and will be on a team-managed minutes restriction, a source told DallasHoopsJournal.com.

A Budding Connection with Ryan Nembhard

Nembhard’s presence was critical in Dallas’ first win. He finished with 21 points and five assists, including the decisive three-pointer after Flagg’s late-game block. He praised Flagg’s decision-making and gravity, noting how the rookie’s unselfish play made things easier for others.

“Super fun to play with,” Nembhard said. “He’s a super unselfish guy. All he wants to do is win. He guards five positions. He can score the ball really well… the gravity he has out there helps other guys get good looks.”

Nembhard also noted the adjustment of playing more off the ball due to Flagg’s usage as a lead initiator, but emphasized how quickly they’ve built on-court chemistry.

“Obviously a new role for me… but I think I’ve adjusted well,” he said.

Focus Turns to Offensive Rhythm

Flagg identified rhythm and cohesion as key priorities moving forward after the team’s opener featured stretches of choppy offense and missed opportunities.

“I think just finding a better rhythm, getting into a better flow,” Flagg said. “We got a little choppy at times. I think we’ll find better actions to get into early, move the ball around more, and I think that’ll help us a lot.”

Flagg also acknowledged he’s still ramping up physically. “Obviously, I’m not in full game shape,” he said. “I was a little tired, but it was good to deal with that, work through some things.”

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