Cooper Flagg’s worst game still proved he’s trending toward greatness

Cooper Flagg just shot 3-of-19 from the field and committed six turnovers against a Sacramento Kings team that entered the game at 0-6. As if that weren't bad enough, the Kings currently rank No. 28 in the NBA in defensive rating. Surely, the Dallas Mavericks star could've played better.

Even after what may very well be the worst game of his NBA career thus far, Flagg is trending in the right direction for a simple reason: He's playing the right way.

Yes, basic math could provide all the evidence necessary to support the belief that Flagg should've shot less. And yes, there is an element of truth to be found in that belief. The three field goals he converted, after all, were the fewest he's ever made in an NBA game during which he attempted at least 15 shots.

Throw in the six turnovers and Flagg arguably did more harm than good during the Mavericks' loss to the Kings.

The burden of a franchise player simply isn't the same as the one that their teammates carry. They're not just making the most money—or, in Flagg's case, destined to be maxed out—but taking on a level of responsibility that requires them to remain assertive even when their shots aren't falling.

It may seem counterintuitive on most levels, but when the playoffs roll around and the tepid are revealed, a franchise player's obligation to keep shooting won't be in dispute. Flagg appears aware of that truth already.

Cooper Flagg understands the burden of a franchise player

There are obviously limits and parameters within which a superstar player must operate. The unfortunate truth for those who want a concrete answer, however, is that it's a true case-by-case discussion as the human element of basketball simply can't be discarded.

In the playoffs, for instance, rotations tend to be shortened, minutes for featured players tend to increase, and every possession is met with an elevated degree of defensive intensity.

The result of those changes can bring the best out of players, but it can also expose flaws that weren't quite as detrimental during the regular season. It can also lead to supporting contributors being less willing to shoot and thus increasing the burden being shouldered by the go-to scorer.

Flagg is likely to learn that lesson first-hand once he ends the Mavericks' playoff drought—and games like his poor showing against the Kings are what can prepare him for it.

Cooper Flagg needs this mentality for the playoffs

It's by no means limited to the playoffs, of course, as there are simply nights when no one else can seem to buy a bucket or may even appear trepidatious with the ball in their hands. The task then falls to the leading scorer to assert themselves more than usual.

If said player develops the habit of being less aggressive when their shot isn't falling, then being willing to shoot their team out of a slump will be less instinctive than necessary.

Look no further than former Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson. It's hard to imagine anyone who watched the 2026 NBA Finals registered that he shot just 42.1 percent from the field. Nor that he did so on 26.6 field goal attempts per game. Instead, the Finals MVP simply stepped up when his team needed him—across all four quarters with a sustained intent to impact the game.

From there, the Knicks mounted comebacks, executed with all-time precision in the fourth quarter, and ultimately benefited from their assertive superstar shooting his way into a rhythm.

Flagg is seemingly learning that lesson early in his Mavericks career. He isn't running away from the responsibility he has as a go-to scorer, but trusting his instincts and the skill set he continually works to refine while shooting his way out of cold spells.

There might be some ugly shooting nights along the way, but that's the cost of becoming a truly elite scorer in the NBA: A mentality that doesn't switch off, but is simply adapted to situations.

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