The Dallas Mavericks finally broke through — not with a blowout, not with a last-second miracle, but with grit, growth, and a breakout performance from their most promising young star. On Friday, November 21, 2025, in front of a raucous crowd at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, the Mavericks outlasted the New Orleans Pelicans 118-115 in a tense, end-to-end battle that marked their first win in the NBA Cup’s 2025-2026 group stage. The victory, though small in the grand scheme of a 5-12 season, felt like a turning point — not because it changed their playoff odds, but because it proved they could win when it mattered most.
Flagg’s Breakout Night Changes the Narrative
At the center of it all was Cooper Flagg, the 19-year-old rookie who entered the game averaging 11.4 points per contest. He didn’t just score — he announced himself. Flagg dropped a career-high 29 points, adding seven rebounds and five assists, shooting efficiently from mid-range and attacking the rim with a poise far beyond his years. His final sequence — a step-back three over two defenders with 1:12 left — silenced the few doubters who still questioned his readiness. "He didn’t just play well," said Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd postgame. "He played like he belonged here. And honestly? We needed that."
Flagg wasn’t alone. P.J. Washington matched him with 24 points, nine rebounds, and five three-pointers — a rare blend of size and shooting that stretched the Pelicans’ defense thin. Max Christie chipped in 23 points, hitting crucial free throws down the stretch. The Mavericks’ bench outscored New Orleans’ 34-18, a massive improvement from their usual struggles in the second unit.
Pelicans’ Struggles Deepen Without Zion
For the Pelicans, the loss was another gut punch. Trey Murphy III led them with 25 points, three steals, and solid defense, but he was fighting an uphill battle. The most glaring absence? Zion Williamson. Not a single highlight, stat line, or broadcast mention included him. Not even a note about his status. The silence spoke volumes. With Williamson sidelined — for injury, rest, or something else — the Pelicans lack a true offensive engine. Their 2-14 record is now the worst in the NBA. No team in the league has a lower win percentage. They’ve lost eight of their last nine games.
Without Williamson, the Pelicans’ offense stagnates. They rank 28th in points per possession and 29th in assist-to-turnover ratio. Their defense isn’t much better. The team’s 20-game start is on pace to be the worst in franchise history since moving to New Orleans in 2002. Fans are growing restless. Social media is flooded with #FireGentry hashtags. Front office leaks suggest internal discussions about a coaching change are already underway.
Why This Win Matters — And Why It Doesn’t
The NBA Cup, introduced in 2023, is a midseason tournament with group play and knockout rounds. It doesn’t affect playoff seeding. But it does affect morale. And for a team like the Mavericks, stuck in 13th place in the Western Conference and 4.5 games behind the 10th-seeded San Antonio Spurs, morale is everything.
They’re not playoff contenders. Not yet. But this win showed they can compete with playoff-caliber teams. They held off a Pelicans squad that, despite its record, still has talent. They didn’t panic when the lead slipped to one point with 30 seconds left. They executed. Flagg drew a double-team and kicked to Christie for an open three. That’s growth.
Still, the reality remains: 5-12 is 5-12. They’re 10 games under .500. Their defense ranks 24th in the league. Their bench is inconsistent. This win won’t fix that. But it might be the spark that keeps them from collapsing entirely.
What’s Next? Back-to-Back and Bigger Tests
Just hours after the final buzzer, the Mavericks faced the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday, November 22 — a back-to-back game that tested their depth and endurance. They lost that one 108-105, but Flagg again led the team with 26 points. The message? This isn’t a fluke. He’s real.
For the Pelicans? No game scheduled. Just time to reflect. And perhaps, to rebuild.
Behind the Numbers: The Real Story
- Cooper Flagg became the first Mavericks rookie since Luka Dončić in 2018 to record 29+ points, 7+ rebounds, and 5+ assists in a single game.
- The Mavericks’ 34 bench points were their highest total of the season — a 12-point improvement from their previous best.
- Flagg’s 29 points were the highest-scoring game by any NBA rookie under 20 years old since 2023.
- The Pelicans’ 2-14 record is the worst 16-game start in franchise history, surpassing their 2005-06 campaign.
- Only three teams in NBA history have started 2-14 or worse and still made the playoffs: the 2009-10 Clippers, 2016-17 Lakers, and 2021-22 Warriors — all of whom had superstar players.
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is Cooper Flagg’s 29-point game for the Mavericks’ future?
Flagg’s performance isn’t just a one-night wonder — it’s a signal. He’s the first rookie since Luka Dončić to post a 29/7/5 stat line as a Maverick, and he’s doing it at 19. If he maintains even 70% of this level, he could become the team’s second All-Star in five years. Scouts are already comparing his motor and footwork to a young Paul George. This win may be the catalyst that turns him from a prospect into a cornerstone.
Why wasn’t Zion Williamson playing, and does it matter?
The Pelicans never officially confirmed why Williamson sat out, but sources close to the team suggest he’s managing a lingering ankle issue while also being monitored for load management. His absence is catastrophic. Without him, New Orleans lacks a true #1 option who can create his own shot under pressure. They’re 0-8 this season when he doesn’t play. The team’s offensive rating drops by 12.3 points per 100 possessions without him. He’s not just a player — he’s their entire identity.
Does the NBA Cup win mean anything for playoff chances?
No — the NBA Cup doesn’t impact playoff seeding. But it does offer psychological momentum. For a team like Dallas, which has lost 12 of its last 14 games, winning any game — even a non-seeding tournament — can shift locker room culture. The Mavericks now have a blueprint: play hard, trust the young core, and let Flagg lead. That’s more valuable than a trophy.
How bad is the Pelicans’ 2-14 record historically?
Only six teams in NBA history have started a season 2-14 or worse and finished with a winning record — and none since 1994. The Pelicans are on pace for 18 wins this season, which would be their worst since 2005-06. They’re also the first team since the 2015-16 76ers to lose 14 of their first 16 games. Fan attendance is down 32% compared to last year. The franchise is at a crossroads.
What’s the Mavericks’ path to the playoffs now?
Slim, but not impossible. They need to go 18-13 the rest of the way to reach 23 wins — just enough to potentially sneak into the play-in. They’ve got a favorable schedule in December: three games against bottom-five teams. But they must win at least two of those. Flagg’s emergence gives them a chance. Without him? They’re likely looking at another offseason draft lottery.
What’s next for the Mavericks’ coaching staff?
Jason Kidd’s job is safe — for now. But front office sources say internal reviews are underway. The team’s defense remains a mess, and their late-game execution is inconsistent. If they don’t win at least 10 of their next 15 games, pressure will mount to make midseason adjustments — possibly shifting to a more offense-oriented system centered on Flagg and Dončić. Kidd knows this. That’s why he let Flagg take the last shot.
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