Cooper Flagg scores 32, but Mavs fade late in NBA-leading 41st clutch game vs. Warriors

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) dunks on the Golden State Warriors during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, March 23, 2026, in Dallas. (Julio Cortez/AP) Kyrie Irving has maintained a steady presence around the Mavericks despite not playing this season because of his torn left ACL, but his team has missed his offensive production, especially in late-game situations. The same can be said for Monday's game against the Golden State Warriors, a primetime matchup that required overtime to decide a winner.

Cooper Flagg scored nine of his 32 points in the fourth quarter, but the Mavericks fell short in the additional five minutes and suffered a 137-131 loss, their 12th consecutive defeat at American Airlines Center. The Mavericks can't claim the title of first in most statistical categories, but they've competed in 41 clutch games, the most in the NBA. There hasn't been much success tied to those specific contests - defined as a game within five points during the final five minutes of regulation - with a record of 15-26 after Monday's loss.

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd , who celebrated his birthday Monday alongside Irving, knows they would've had a better chance of winning those close games if their nine-time All-Star was healthy. "You have a born closer," Kidd said, "who I'm not going to say is going to win all 40 games for you, but it puts you in a better seat. Having that option would definitely help us if we're going to talk about next season.

" The Mavericks could've used Irving's expertise in Monday's loss to the Warriors, a game without two of the best shotmakers in the game, especially since Stephen Curry was sidelined with right patellofemoral pain. Several hours before the pain of another loss, Irving and Kidd shared a laugh during Monday's shootaround at the team's practice facility. They were serenaded with the "Happy Birthday" song by the Mavericks' four rookies, led by Flagg and Ryan Nembhard.