Cooper Flagg revealed how he feels after playing with a thumb injury during the Mavericks' loss to the Bucks on Monday.

Cooper Flagg is going through a bit of a rough start in his rookie year for the Mavericks, but Bucks head coach Doc Rivers believes in him.

The Bucks played against the Mavericks tonight at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, where the No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg faced the former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo for the first time.

Flagg and the Mavericks did not envision losses becoming such a regular part of his lessons. Dallas is a veteran-laden team that regarded itself as a Western Conference contender to start the season, but big men Anthony Davis and Daniel Gafford have only played five games apiece; Dereck Lively II has only played three games.

Mavericks star rookie Copper Flagg speaks on the 'obvious' when talking about getting the first road win of the season.

Flagg initially attended Nokomis Regional High School before transferring to Montverde Academy after his first year. It did not take him long to gain national recognition, garnering several accolades, including being named the 2024 National High School Player of the Year.

With Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis out, the 18-year-old finds himself in the backcourt as the focal point of opposing defenses.

The Milwaukee Buck are in Dallas on the second night of a back-to-back on Nov. 10, a game Giannis Antetokounmpo calls a 'must win.'