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Cooper Flagg celebrates a three-pointer in a win over the Denver Nuggets.
Cooper Flagg delivered one of the most memorable performances of his young NBA career on Tuesday, leaving a special mark not only on the scoreboard but also in front of one of the most important people in his life. His twin brother, Ace.
The 19-year-old guard nearly recorded his first career triple-double, finishing with 33 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists while leading the Dallas Mavericks to a dramatic 131‑130 victory over the Denver Nuggets.
The game was more than just another stat line. For Flagg, sharing the moment with Ace, who was courtside watching his brother, added an emotional layer to an already historic night.
The two grew up playing together, pushing each other to improve, and now, as their paths diverge with Ace playing college basketball at the University of Maine, opportunities to share such milestones in person are clearly rare.
Cooper Flagg’s Emotional Moment Shared With Family
Flagg reflected on having his twin brother courtside, noting that Ace has rarely had the chance to watch him play live. The presence of family added a human element to an already high-stakes contest, emphasizing the personal dimension behind NBA stars.
“It was great,” Flagg said via Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News. “He’s going through his first college season at Maine, but we play the game together all the time, just staying connected. It’s great to have him around. I don’t get to see him as much anymore.”
By nearly recording his first triple-double and sharing the moment with his twin brother, the Mavericks rookie turned an already historic night into a personal milestone that extended far beyond the court.
Ace Flagg has appeared in 14 games off the bench for the Maine Black Bears as a freshman this season, averaging 4.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.1 steals in 22 minutes per game.
The 6-foot-7 forward is shooting 40% from the field and 23.8% from three-point range, recording eight points and two steals in his most recent outing, a 74‑58 loss to the Drexel Dragons.
Flagg’s Breakout Performance
Flagg’s performance against the Nuggets was a statement on multiple levels. He shot 14-of-21 from the field, including four three-pointers, helping the Mavericks pull off a one-point win against a Nuggets team led by Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, who scored 29 and 31 points, respectively.
Anthony Davis added 31 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, marking the first time in franchise history that a pair of Mavericks teammates recorded at least 30 points, nine rebounds, and four assists in the same game, according to team PR.
Denver, one of the league’s top teams, presented a formidable challenge, but Flagg’s combination of scoring, playmaking, and court vision allowed Dallas to bounce back after recent losses to the New Orleans Pelicans, Philadelphia 76ers, and Utah Jazz.
Beyond the numbers, Flagg’s performance highlighted his versatility and growth. Over the past five games, he is averaging 27.6 points per game, the 13th-highest in the NBA. His 138 total points during that span are the sixth-highest, ahead of players such as Jalen Brunson, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James.
Flagg’s all-around contributions show why he is living up to the hype of a number one draft pick and why the Mavericks view him as a cornerstone of their future.
Matt Evans Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, based in Paris, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA and wider global sport. More about Matt Evans
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