Mavs Rookie Cooper Flagg Shines in First NBA Christmas Game

Dallas’s generational rookie displayed his stardom on the national stage, notching an impressive performance on Christmas Day.

On December 25, 2025, the NBA’s Christmas Day slate delivered its usual mix of drama, star power, and holiday magic. Among the five marquee matchups, the Dallas Mavericks’ road clash against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center stood out for one primary reason: the highly anticipated Christmas debut of rookie sensation Cooper Flagg. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, selected by the Mavericks after they won the lottery, stepped onto the league’s biggest regular-season stage for the first time—and he did not disappoint.

Despite the Mavericks falling 126-116 to a resilient Warriors team led by Stephen Curry, Flagg delivered a performance that solidified his status as a generational talent. The 19-year-old forward poured in a game-high 27 points on efficient 13-for-21 shooting from the field, while adding six rebounds, five assists, and one block with just one turnover. It was a complete display from the former Duke standout, who turned 19 just four days earlier on December 21.

Flagg’s outing marked several historical milestones. He became the youngest player to play on Christmas Day since LeBron James in 2003, and his stat line of 27 points, six rebounds, and five assists made him the youngest ever (at 19 years and 4 days old) to record at least 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists on the holiday stage. As NBA commentators noted during the broadcast, Flagg looked every bit the part of a future cornerstone, competing fiercely against a veteran-laden Warriors squad that included Curry, Jimmy Butler, Al Horford, and others.

The Build-Up to Christmas: Flagg’s Rapid Rise

To fully appreciate Flagg’s Christmas showcase, it’s worth revisiting his journey to this moment. Born in Newport, Maine, Flagg burst onto the national scene as a high school phenom, first at Nokomis Regional High School before transferring to powerhouse Montverde Academy in Florida. There, he dominated, earning multiple national player of the year honors and establishing himself as the consensus top recruit in the Class of 2024 (after reclassifying).

His one-and-done season at Duke was nothing short of spectacular. Flagg earned consensus National Player of the Year honors, ACC Player of the Year, and ACC Rookie of the Year—joining an elite group that includes Zion Williamson and others. He led the Blue Devils deep into the NCAA Tournament, though they fell in the Final Four. Declaring for the 2025 Draft, Flagg was widely projected as the No. 1 pick, and the Mavericks—coming off a turbulent offseason that included major trades and injuries—luckily landed him via the lottery.

Dallas wasted no time integrating Flagg into their lineup. Early in the season, with guard depth issues, the Mavericks even experimented with him as a primary ball-handler at point guard—a bold move for an 18-year-old rookie. While there were initial growing pains, Flagg quickly adapted. By December, he was averaging 19.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, shooting nearly 49% from the field. He earned Western Conference Rookie of the Month for October/November and was firmly atop the Kia Rookie Ladder.

Highlights from the weeks leading into Christmas underscored his explosiveness. On December 23 against the Denver Nuggets, Flagg flirted with a triple-double, dropping 33 points (on 14-of-21 shooting, including 4-of-6 from three), nine rebounds, and nine assists in a thrilling 131-130 win. His brothers, Hunter and twin Ace (a freshman at the University of Maine), watched courtside, reacting exuberantly to his dunks and clutch plays. Just days earlier, Flagg had set records as the youngest player with certain high-efficiency scoring halves and joined rare company with multiple 30-point games as a teen.

Analysts compared his poise to young LeBron James or Kevin Durant, noting his two-way impact: elite defense (ranking high among rookies in deflections, contested shots, and loose balls) paired with offensive versatility. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd praised his maturity, while teammates like Anthony Davis marveled at his competitiveness. Even opponents, like Nikola Jokić after facing him, called him “really mature.”

The Christmas Game: A Star is Born on the Big Stage

The matchup against Golden State was billed as a passing of the torch. The Warriors, playing their 13th straight Christmas game, featured veterans like Curry (who reached 26,000 career points) and Butler. For Dallas, it was their sixth consecutive holiday appearance, but the spotlight was squarely on Flagg facing a college “foe” in Warriors rookie Will Richard (who played for the Florida team that dashed Duke’s title hopes).

The game started competitively. Dallas trailed early but stayed in it thanks to Flagg’s early involvement. He scored 12 points in the first half alongside Naji Marshall, keeping the Mavericks close as Golden State shared the ball with 18 assists in the opening periods.

Tragedy struck in the second quarter when Anthony Davis exited with a groin injury after limited minutes, dealing another blow to a Mavericks team already navigating injuries and a sub-.500 record (12-20 entering the game). But Flagg rose to the occasion. He exploded for 10 points in the second quarter alone, intensifying his attack to keep Dallas within striking distance.

Throughout the game, Flagg showcased his full arsenal: pull-up jumpers, scoops in transition, rim-running finishes, and even playmaking in half-court sets. Highlights circulated widely on social media—Flagg’s lefty scoop layup, a smooth pull-up J over tight defense, and relentless drives drawing fouls. He ran the floor aggressively, handling the ball in transition and finishing at the rim with authority.

Dallas mounted comeback attempts, cutting a 17-point deficit to five in the fourth quarter. Flagg was at the heart of it, but Curry’s veteran poise—a late 26-foot three—sealed the win for Golden State, improving them to 16-15.

Postgame, praise poured in. Curry, no stranger to Christmas dominance, called Flagg a “true hooper” and “competitor,” adding, “You forget how young he is. The future is bright… The league is in good hands.” Warriors coach Steve Kerr echoed the sentiment, while analysts noted Flagg’s case for inclusion in future holiday games.

For the Mavericks, sitting at 12-20 (later reported as 12-19 in some updates), the loss stung amid ongoing struggles with injuries (Davis, Klay Thompson’s return from his old team notwithstanding) and questions about the post-Luka Dončić era. But Flagg remained the silver lining—the bright spot in a rebuilding-yet-competitive roster.

Breaking Down Flagg’s Performance: Stats and Impact

Flagg’s box score: 27 points (13-21 FG, efficient inside and mid-range), 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 block, 1 turnover.

• Efficiency: 61.9% from the field—his scoring came organically, without forcing shots.
• Versatility: Points in transition, half-court pull-ups, and finishes through contact. His five assists showed improved vision, finding cutters like Max Christie (who also scored efficiently).
• Defense: Contested shots against Butler and others; his length disrupted passing lanes.
• Clutch Moments: Though Dallas fell short, Flagg’s second-quarter surge kept them alive post-Davis injury.

Compared to his season averages (19.2 PPG entering the game), this was a step up on the biggest stage. It evoked memories of young stars like LeBron’s early Christmas games, where poise under pressure foreshadowed greatness.

The Bigger Picture: Flagg’s Place in Mavericks History and the NBA

The Mavericks’ decision to keep the No. 1 pick rather than trade it has paid early dividends. Amid roster upheaval—trading Luka Dončić in a controversial move that led to GM Nico Harrison’s firing—Flagg has emerged as the new face of the franchise. Fans chant his name during the national anthem (“that our Flagg was still there”), and his jersey sales rival veterans.

Experts project him as the runaway Rookie of the Year favorite, with comparisons to past No. 1 picks like Victor Wembanyama or Zion. His two-way game, motor, and basketball IQ set him apart in a deep 2025 class featuring talents like Kon Knueppel and others.

For Dallas, Flagg represents hope. Paired with Davis (when healthy), Thompson, and supporting pieces like Naji Marshall and Max Christie, the Mavericks are building around youth and versatility. Though currently in Play-In contention, Flagg’s development suggests brighter days ahead—perhaps even contending sooner than expected.

Reactions and Legacy of the Debut

Social media buzzed with Flagg highlights. NBA Twitter declared him “must-see TV” for future Christmases. Charles Barkley, on the broadcast, envisioned Dallas’ future centered on Flagg. Draymond Green praised his two-way play, saying, “Dallas got a bright future with Cooper Flagg.”

Even in defeat, Flagg stole the show. As Curry noted, the league is in good hands. For a rookie making his holiday debut, shining this brightly against legends is a sign of superstardom to come.

In a season full of milestones—youngest to 40 points, multiple 30-point games as a teen, record-setting efficiency—Christmas 2025 added another chapter. Cooper Flagg didn’t just play; he announced his arrival. The national stage was his, and the NBA world took notice.