Mavericks star Cooper Flagg exits vs. Pacers after hard foul
Oct 23, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) passes the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker (5) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images The Dallas Mavericks announced that Cooper Flagg will not return to Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis due to left shoulder soreness.
The second-year star took a hard foul late in the second quarter and did not return to the floor to start the second half.
With 59.7 seconds left in the first half, Indiana's Aaron Nesmith challenged Flagg's dunk attempt from behind, sending Flagg sprawling to the floor. After a review, Nesmith was assessed a flagrant-1 foul.
Naji Marshall rushed in and shoved Nesmith, resulting in technical fouls for both players. Dallas carried a 77-43 lead into the locker room.
Flagg, the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year, notched 14 points, six assists and five rebounds in 17 minutes of first-half play before being ruled out.
The 19-year-old registered 32 points and five rebounds in the Mavericks' season-opening loss to the Houston Rockets. He averaged 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 70 games last season.
--Field Level Media
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