Nembhard and Flagg Lead Mavericks to Nail-Biting Summer League Win Over Lakers, July 11, 2025 at 10:51 p.m
The Las Vegas Summer League tipped off with a thriller as the Dallas Mavericks edged past the Los Angeles Lakers 87–85 in a tightly contested showdown. It wasn’t just another preseason game—it was a glimpse into the Mavericks’ future.
With the spotlight on highly-touted prospect Cooper Flagg, it was undrafted rookie Ryan Nembhard who stole the show.
Ryan Nembhard Shines Under Pressure
From the opening whistle, Ryan Nembhard looked like he belonged. The former Gonzaga standout brought calmness and control to the Mavericks' offense. He finished with 21 points and five assists, but his most important contribution came in the final minutes.
With just over a minute left, Nembhard calmly buried a deep three-pointer that put Dallas ahead for good. He orchestrated the offense with maturity far beyond his years, showcasing a poised handle and high basketball IQ. It was the kind of performance that turns heads—and earns contracts.
The Mavericks may have signed him undrafted, but his Summer League debut felt like the start of something much bigger.
Cooper Flagg’s Debut: Rough Start, Strong Finish
All eyes were on 19-year-old Cooper Flagg in his professional debut. And while his shot wasn’t falling—he hit just 5 of 21 from the field and missed all five of his three-point attempts—Flagg still found ways to leave a mark.
He racked up 10 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and a block in a well-rounded performance. His hustle and feel for the game were evident. One of the biggest moments came on the defensive end, when Flagg forced a turnover in crunch time that led to Nembhard’s go-ahead three.
Though his shooting was off, Flagg’s versatility stood out. He played a team-high 32 minutes, often acting as the initiator of the offense. His ability to switch roles mid-game showed maturity beyond his years—something head coach Jason Kidd had hinted at pre-game.
Mavericks’ Young Core Shows Promise
Miles Kelly chipped in with 17 points off the bench, but the real storyline was the connection between Flagg and Nembhard. Their chemistry was unmistakable—whether in transition or pick-and-rolls, they played off each other seamlessly.
Flagg’s court vision and defensive awareness complemented Nembhard’s calm, confident ball-handling. For a pair that had never played together before, their on-court synergy looked remarkably polished. It’s the kind of duo that could shape Dallas’ developmental program for years to come.
Early Signs of a Hidden Gem
This opening win puts the Mavericks at 1–0 in Summer League play. But more than the scoreline, it’s the performances that stand out. Cooper Flagg lived up to his hype in ways stats won’t show—through grit, energy, and a team-first mindset.
And Ryan Nembhard? He may not have been drafted, but after this performance, the question isn’t if he belongs in the NBA—it’s where he’ll fit in the Mavericks’ rotation.
With more games to come, the focus will remain on how Flagg adapts and whether Nembhard can continue this form. But one thing’s clear already: the Mavericks may have walked into Las Vegas with just one top draft pick—but they may walk out with a star and a steal.
