Cooper Flagg delivered another consistent performance with 15 points, but the injury-ravaged Dallas Mavericks couldn’t overcome Minnesota’s balanced attack, falling 119-101 to the Timberwolves at Target Center on Monday night. Playing the second game of a back-to-back without three key big men, the rookie showcased why he’s one of the season’s brightest young stars despite the lopsided loss.
Table of Contents
Flagg’s Game Snapshot: November 17, 2025
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Timberwolves 119, Mavericks 101 |
| Flagg’s Line | 15 points, 6-of-10 FG (60%), 1-of-2 3PT, 2-of-2 FT |
| Co-Leading Scorer | Brandon Williams (15 points) |
| Edwards Performance | 13 points, 5-of-14 FG (quiet night) |
| Mavericks Record | 4-10 overall, 1-2 in back-to-backs |
| Key Absences | Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II |
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
First Half: Efficient But Limited Impact
Flagg opened efficiently with six points on 2-of-4 shooting through the first two quarters, including a perfect 1-of-1 from downtown, though he managed just one rebound in 16 minutes. The Newport native looked frustrated at halftime as Minnesota built a commanding 61-44 lead.
Third Quarter: Personal Surge, Team Collapse
The rookie found his rhythm in the third period, knocking down all three field goal attempts to push his total to 13 points. However, his individual success couldn’t prevent Minnesota from dominating the quarter 37-22, effectively putting the game out of reach.
Final Numbers: Consistency Amid Chaos
Flagg finished with 15 points alongside Brandon Williams, who also scored 15 for Dallas. His 60% shooting from the field demonstrated continued growth, even as the Mavericks’ depleted roster struggled to keep pace with Minnesota’s depth.
The Injury Crisis Continues
Dallas played without two key big men being rested for injury management on the second night of a back-to-back—Daniel Gafford sat with an ankle injury while Dereck Lively II was held out with a knee issue. With Anthony Davis also remaining sidelined, rookie center Moussa Cissé earned his first career start.
This depleted frontcourt has thrust enormous responsibility on Flagg’s shoulders. In his last seven games, the rookie averaged 17.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists while shooting 49.5% from the floor, impressive numbers for someone thrust into a starting role immediately.
Minnesota’s Balanced Attack Prevails
While Anthony Edwards had a relatively quiet night with 13 points on 5-for-14 shooting, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert each scored 15 points to lead Minnesota. Julius Randle added another efficient performance as the Timberwolves improved to 9-5, solidifying their position among the Western Conference’s top teams.
Growth Despite the Losses
Flagg started the season at point guard due to the team’s lack of playmaking, but he’s performed much better recently as a secondary initiator rather than the primary ball-handler. Daniel Gafford’s halftime conversation with Flagg during Sunday’s game helped spark the rookie’s turnaround: “He was frustrated at halftime. I talked to him. He felt like he wasn’t involved. I told him to slow down — it’ll come to him”.
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The Road Ahead
The Mavericks enter one of their most difficult scheduling stretches—five games in seven days—while missing all three centers and their top two ball-handlers. Dallas returns home Wednesday to begin a three-game homestand against Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks.
The schedule doesn’t ease up, but Flagg continues proving he belongs at the NBA level. His consistent performances despite the team’s struggles have established him as a legitimate building block for Dallas’s future.
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FAQs
Q: How has Cooper Flagg improved since his early-season struggles?
Flagg’s recent stretch shows dramatic improvement from his difficult start. After shooting just 37.3% through his first six games, he’s now shooting 49.5% over his last seven contests while averaging 17.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. The key difference? Dallas moved him away from the primary point guard role where he struggled initially. As a secondary playmaker—similar to a Grant Hill-type role—Flagg can make plays without the burden of full-time ball-handling responsibilities. His 21-point, zero-turnover performance against Portland showcased his growing comfort level in the NBA.
Q: Why did Anthony Edwards have such an off night against Dallas?
Edwards’s 13 points on 5-of-14 shooting represented an unusual performance for someone averaging 27.3 points per game on 47.6% shooting this season. However, Minnesota’s depth meant they didn’t need his typical explosion. Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert each contributed 15 points, while Julius Randle continued his efficient play. The Timberwolves’ 37-point third quarter effectively ended the competitive portion of the game, allowing Edwards to coast without pressing. When teams have multiple scoring threats like Minnesota does, star players can have quiet statistical nights while still securing comfortable victories—a luxury Dallas doesn’t currently have with their injury situation.
