Mavs' Cooper Flagg struggles in loss to Suns

Rookie forward had a tough night against Phoenix's stifling defense.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:15pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic action of a basketball game, with players' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes of color.A cubist interpretation of the intense battle between the Mavericks' Cooper Flagg and the Suns' Khaman Maluach on the court.Phoenix Today

Mavericks rookie forward Cooper Flagg had a difficult game against the Phoenix Suns, struggling to make an impact on the court as his team fell to the Western Conference leaders.

Why it matters

Flagg was a highly touted draft pick for the Mavericks, and his development is crucial for the team's future success. This loss to the Suns highlights the challenges young players can face when matched up against elite NBA competition.

The details

Flagg managed just 8 points on 3-of-11 shooting, with 4 rebounds and 2 turnovers in 25 minutes of play. The Suns' stifling defense, led by center Khaman Maluach, repeatedly denied Flagg's attempts to drive to the basket and create scoring opportunities.

  • The game took place on Wednesday, April 9, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.

The players

Cooper Flagg

A rookie forward for the Dallas Mavericks, known for his athleticism and potential as a two-way player.

Khaman Maluach

The starting center for the Phoenix Suns, known for his defensive prowess and ability to protect the rim.

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What they’re saying

“Cooper is a talented young player, but he still has a lot to learn at this level. The Suns' defense really gave him trouble tonight.”

— Jason Kidd, Head Coach, Dallas Mavericks

What’s next

The Mavericks will look to bounce back in their next game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, April 11th.

The takeaway

This game highlights the challenges young players can face when transitioning to the NBA, as Flagg struggled to find his rhythm against the Suns' stifling defense. The Mavericks will need to continue developing Flagg's skills and experience to help him reach his full potential.