Steph Curry’s Heartfelt Praise for Cooper Flagg Lights Up Christmas Day Showdown
On December 25, 2025, the NBA’s Christmas Day slate delivered another memorable clash as the Golden State Warriors hosted the Dallas Mavericks at Chase Center in San Francisco. The game ended with a 126-116 victory for the Warriors, pushing their record to 16-15 and marking their third straight win. But beyond the scoreline, the night belonged to a generational torch-passing moment: Stephen Curry, the 37-year-old legend in his 17th season, facing off against 19-year-old rookie sensation Cooper Flagg for the first time in an NBA game.
Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft out of Duke, made his Christmas Day debut in style. Despite the loss, which dropped the Mavericks to 12-20, the young forward led all scorers with a game-high 27 points on efficient 13-of-21 shooting. He added six rebounds, five assists, and a block in 36 minutes, showcasing the poise and versatility that made him the most hyped American prospect since LeBron James. It was Flagg’s second consecutive 25+ point performance, part of a rookie campaign where he’s averaging around 19.2 points per game—numbers that have him firmly atop the Kia Rookie Ladder and drawing comparisons to all-time greats.
Curry, meanwhile, contributed 23 points (on 6-of-18 shooting), three rebounds, and four assists in 33 minutes. He also hit a milestone, surpassing 26,000 career points, becoming the 22nd player in NBA history to reach that mark. But the real story came postgame, when Curry delivered glowing praise for Flagg in interviews, calling it a “cool message” that resonated across the basketball world.
Curry’s Exact Words: A Veteran Passing the Torch
In his on-court interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews right after the buzzer, Curry said:
“Just a true hooper. Competitor. You forget how young he is—just his presence out there on the court. The future is bright. I’m glad he got this experience in his first year to understand what the bright lights feel like. The league is in good hands.”
Later, speaking to reporters, Curry expanded:
“The future’s bright. Plays well, way beyond his years—just his basketball IQ, you can tell. That’s gonna be a journey you’ll wanna stay locked in on; he’s going to be around for a long time.”
Curry’s admiration wasn’t surprising. The two have history: Flagg attended Curry’s elite youth camp years ago, and Curry had seen flashes of his talent on the USA Select Team. But seeing it up close on the NBA’s biggest regular-season stage left an impression. Curry emphasized Flagg’s maturity, competitiveness, and on-court command—qualities that make the teenager stand out even among veterans.
Game Highlights: Flagg Shines, Warriors Pull Away
The matchup lived up to the hype. Flagg outscored Curry head-to-head and looked unfazed under the national spotlight. He attacked the rim relentlessly, knocked down a three, and facilitated when needed. One standout moment: a late-game sequence where Flagg drove past defenders for a tough finish, drawing oohs from the Chase Center crowd.
The Warriors, however, had too much depth. Contributions came from across the roster—Moses Moody and Al Horford each scored in double figures early, while Jimmy Butler added balance with points, rebounds, and assists. Gary Payton II delivered a highlight-reel block on Flagg in the fourth quarter. Curry sealed it with a clutch three over Flagg himself with under four minutes left, extending the lead to double digits.
The Mavericks battled but were hampered by injuries, including Anthony Davis exiting early with groin spasms. Despite the setbacks, Flagg’s performance earned rave reviews. He became just the fifth rookie in the last 40 years to score 25+ points on Christmas Day, joining legends like Patrick Ewing (1985) and LeBron James (2003).
Why This Moment Matters: The NBA’s Bright Future
Curry’s words weren’t just polite postgame platitudes—they signaled a changing of the guard. At 37, Curry is still elite, leading the league in off-ball gravity and averaging nearly 29 points per game this season. But he’s aware the next wave is here. Flagg, who just turned 19 days before the game, has already posted multiple 30+ point games, including a 42-point explosion earlier in December that made him the youngest player ever to score 40+.
Veterans across the league have echoed Curry’s sentiment. Nikola Jokić recently called Flagg “really mature” after a 33-point outing against the Nuggets. Even in defeat, Flagg’s Christmas debut felt like a coming-out party, proving he belongs on the holiday stage alongside icons.
For the Mavericks, struggling amid roster changes (including the controversial Luka Dončić trade), Flagg represents hope. Dallas may sit at 12-20, but their prized rookie is accelerating a rebuild into contention.
The Warriors, meanwhile, climb above .500, bolstered by Curry’s leadership and new pieces like Butler. As Curry said after the game, reflecting on his 12th Christmas appearance: “It’s a great honor… I don’t ever take it for granted.”
Looking Ahead: A Rivalry in the Making?
This was only the first chapter. With Flagg locked in Dallas long-term and Curry chasing more rings in Golden State, Western Conference matchups could feature this mentor-protégé dynamic for years. Fans are already circling the rematch.
In a league transitioning from the Curry/LeBron era, moments like this—where a legend anoints the next star—remind us why basketball captivates. As Curry put it: “The league is in good hands.” And on Christmas Day 2025, Cooper Flagg showed exactly why.
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