Cooper Flagg Returns from Injury, Battles Through Ankle Scare

Rookie Cooper Flagg returned to action following an eight-game absence due to a left midfoot sprain, recording 16 points, eight rebounds, and six assists in a 120-100 loss to the Celtics. Despite an early ankle scare, Flagg played 30 minutes. While he struggled with efficiency, shooting 9-of-32 across his return games, he led the Mavericks in rebounds and assists. The 19-year-old is expected to continue increasing his workload as he regains his rhythm after the extended layoff.