Game 77: Dallas Mavericks (24-52) vs. Orlando Magic (40-36) | 7:30 PM CST

[Smitty]

[Scott41theMavs]

51 points for Flagg on great efficiency, and the scoreboard has the correct result. Great night.

[cow]

Whoops, didn't see this thread. Repost:

Cooper with a 50-piece.

Not much of a Kidd fan, but good on him for getting ejected after that no call on the Flagg elbow grab. And speaking of good coaching, good job by the staff letting Vogel know that Cooper was nearing a career high and Vogel for quickly reversing his decision to sit him.

Other Randomness

+I've been critical of BWill not knowing how to use his speed at times, but I really like what he did tonight. His defense is still atrocious, but he's a good rotational piece.
+Klay continues to soldier on in basketball purgatory and has put together a solid season.
+Nanji letting the refs have it and following Kidd to the showers early.
-Kris Middleton looked really old tonight.
-Tyler Smith looked completely lost out there.

[Mavs2021]

Just think there is no space for Middleton, even as a minimum level player.

Irving/1st round pick/ Willams or Nembhard
Christie/MLE/Thompson
Flagg/Marshall/Martin
Washington/1st round pick/X
Lively/Gafford/X

You still have not waived AJ Johnson here, used the mid 2nd round pick, used the large TPE or gotten to Bagley and Cisse.

[Winter]

By the look of the highlights, Flagg should have had a dozen assists. Poor shooting eliminated that idea.

Nice to see him hit 3s.

[ballsrchr]

By the look of the highlights, Flagg should have had a dozen assists. Poor shooting elimibated that idea..

Nice to see him hit 3s.

This is why I don't like stats that some people are welded to...especially the +/-.  I think Flagg is going to be really good.  I hope the Mavs don't waste him...  

I'm one of those "Kidd is not the coach..." guys, though...

[DanSchwartzgan]

24 points in the 4th quarter alone.

All of those pull-up 3's and mid-range shots are the most encouraging thing I've seen in a long time.  

When you combine that (which will eventually be part of his everyday portfolio) with his ability to get to the rim with some additional spacing when surrounded by better players, it isn't hard to imagine a top-5 player some day.

[KillerLeft]

24 points in the 4th quarter alone.

All of those pull-up 3's and mid-range shots are the most encouraging thing I've seen in a long time.  

When you combine that (which will eventually be part of his everyday portfolio) with his ability to get to the rim with some additional spacing when surrounded by better players, it isn't hard to imagine a top-5 player some day.

Honestly, he's already there, possibly. He needs three things:

1) better spacing (as you mentioned), through more shooting on the floor, better offensive design or both.

2) a ball-handler/scoring threat/facilitator teammate who understands the space created in #1 and is able to help him create and capitalize on advantages, getting him the ball in a variety of different ways and situations, reducing his energy output on offense and enabling him to continue to playing hard on BOTH ends. 

3) consistency, mostly in the area of shooting. I would've said this was my main concern at the beginning of the season, but at this point I've seen enough to feel that if #'s 1 and 2 are addressed this will come.

[FireNicoHarrison]

The kid can play.

[F Gump]

Honestly, he's already there, possibly. He needs three things:

1) better spacing (as you mentioned), through more shooting on the floor, better offensive design or both.

2) a ball-handler/scoring threat/facilitator teammate who understands the space created in #1 and is able to help him create and capitalize on advantages, getting him the ball in a variety of different ways and situations, reducing his energy output on offense and enabling him to continue to playing hard on BOTH ends. 

3) consistency, mostly in the area of shooting. I would've said this was my main concern at the beginning of the season, but at this point I've seen enough to feel that if #'s 1 and 2 are addressed this will come.

Get 1 elite player on the floor with him and it will make a MAJOR difference in opening space for him to take that leap.

And they have 2 very good chances to make that happen - Kyrie gets healthy, and/or the top-10 pick is a stud.

[cow]

Speaking of space, or lack thereof, Cooper is really impressive in his mid to short range while absorbing contact. His offensive game isn't aesthetically pleasing, but it is effective. If he gets outside shot to league average and works on those handles, he's going to be a handful.

[KillerLeft]

Speaking of space, or lack thereof, Cooper is really impressive in his mid to short range while absorbing contact.  His offensive game isn't aesthetically pleasing, but it is effective.  If he gets outside shot to league average and works on those handles, he's going to be a handful.

Yes, he's good through contact at an uncommonly young age.