Mavericks' Cooper Flagg suffers season-ending injury in final game

Rookie sensation's breakout year cut short by ankle sprain in blowout win over Bulls

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:31pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball player's ankle injury and the emotional reaction of teammates and fans, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form.A Mavericks team and fanbase left to pick up the pieces after a promising rookie's season is cut short by injury.Dallas Today

Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg, a leading contender for NBA Rookie of the Year, suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the second quarter of the team's regular-season finale against the Chicago Bulls. Flagg, who had been having a breakout campaign, landed awkwardly on his ankle and had to be helped off the court. The Mavericks went on to win the game 149-128, but the focus quickly shifted to the health of their young star.

Why it matters

Flagg's injury is a major blow to the Mavericks, who were hoping to make a deep playoff run with the talented rookie leading the way. The 19-year-old had emerged as one of the league's most exciting young players, averaging over 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. His absence will be felt as the Mavericks enter the postseason.

The details

With just under 10 minutes remaining in the second quarter and the Mavericks comfortably ahead, Flagg drove to the basket and landed awkwardly, rolling his ankle. He immediately grabbed at his leg and had to be helped off the court by teammates. X-rays later confirmed a high-ankle sprain, ending Flagg's season.

  • The injury occurred in the second quarter of the Mavericks' regular-season finale on April 13, 2026.
  • Flagg had been having a breakout rookie campaign leading up to the final game of the season.

The players

Cooper Flagg

A 19-year-old rookie sensation for the Dallas Mavericks who was a leading contender for NBA Rookie of the Year before suffering a season-ending ankle injury.

Dallas Mavericks

The NBA team that Flagg played for, who were hoping to make a deep playoff run with the talented rookie leading the way.

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What they’re saying

“It's a tough break for Cooper and for our team. He's been such a huge part of our success this season, and we were all looking forward to seeing him in the playoffs. But we'll rally around him and make sure he comes back stronger than ever next year.”

— Jason Kidd, Head Coach, Dallas Mavericks

What’s next

The Mavericks will now have to regroup and prepare for the playoffs without their star rookie. Flagg is expected to undergo surgery and rehabilitation, with the goal of being fully recovered in time for the start of next season.

The takeaway

Flagg's injury is a devastating blow to both the player and the Mavericks, who were counting on his continued development to help them make a deep playoff run. However, the team and its fans will rally around Flagg and look forward to his return next season, where he'll have the opportunity to pick up where he left off and continue his promising NBA career.