Instant Reactions: Marvin Bagley, Cooper Flagg lead Mavericks past Trail Blazers
Dallas Mavericks center Marvin Bagley III rose up and slammed home an alley-oop in the fourth quarter to help Dallas take the lead against the Portland Trail Blazers . Bagley has played well since being traded to the Mavericks in the Anthony Davis deal at midseason. He finished with 26 points and nine rebounds in Dallas’ 100-93 win over Portland.
He also got help from Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg , who finished with 24 points, three rebounds and two assists. After the game, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said the organization should make Flagg’s Rookie of the Year campaign a priority. “Yeah, I think it’s a big priority that the organization pays attention to this,” Kidd said.
“But it’s not just the organization. This is a partnership, and Cooper has to be able to do his part. And he’s doing his part.
He’s having a historic year as a rookie. When you put his numbers up against past rookies who have won the award, it’s clear-cut that it’s not even close that he is the one that will win Rookie of the Year. ” Flagg bounced back after struggling with his efficiency since returning from a foot injury.
He shot 9-of-17 (53 percent) in the win. Naji Marshall added 19 points and five steals. With the victory, the Mavericks earned their 10th road win of the season.