Warriors’ Steph Curry Praises Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg After Rookie’s Dazzling Christmas Debut
On December 25, 2025, the NBA’s Christmas Day slate delivered another memorable showdown as the Golden State Warriors hosted the Dallas Mavericks at Chase Center in San Francisco. The game, which ended in a 126-116 victory for the Warriors, featured several intriguing storylines: Klay Thompson’s emotional return to the Bay Area, Stephen Curry reaching a career milestone, and, most notably, the highly anticipated Christmas debut of Mavericks rookie sensation Cooper Flagg.
Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft from Duke University, did not disappoint on the holiday stage. The 19-year-old forward poured in a game-high 27 points on efficient 13-of-21 shooting from the field, while adding 6 rebounds and 5 assists in 36 minutes of action. Despite the Mavericks falling short, Flagg’s performance etched his name into NBA history books.
Flagg became the youngest player since LeBron James in 2003 to play on Christmas Day (at just 19 years and 4 days old). He also joined an elite group of rookies—Pete Maravich and Oscar Robertson—as one of only three in history to record at least 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists on the holiday. His poise under the bright lights impressed observers league-wide, marking a significant milestone in what has already been a breakout rookie campaign.
After the game, Warriors superstar Stephen Curry, one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, was effusive in his praise for the young Maverick. Speaking to ESPN’s Malika Andrews in a postgame interview, Curry called Flagg “just a true hooper, a competitor.” He emphasized the rookie’s maturity: “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 his first year to understand what the bright lights feel like. The league is in good hands.”
Curry, who has long been a mentor figure to young talents (Flagg previously attended Curry’s elite basketball camp and participated in USA Basketball select team activities), expanded on his thoughts in the locker room. “Plays well beyond his years, just his basketball IQ—you can tell,” Curry said. “That’s gonna be a journey you’ll wanna stay locked in on; he’s going to be around for a long time.”
This endorsement from Curry carries significant weight. At 37 years old and in the later stages of a Hall of Fame career, Curry has seen generations of talent come and go. His declaration that “the league is in good hands” echoes sentiments expressed by other veterans throughout the season, including Nikola Jokić, who recently praised Flagg’s maturity after a 33-point outburst against the Denver Nuggets.
The Rise of Cooper Flagg: From Hype to Reality
Cooper Flagg’s journey to this moment has been nothing short of meteoric. Born on December 21, 2006, in Newport, Maine, Flagg first gained national attention as a high school phenom at Nokomis Regional High School before transferring to the powerhouse Montverde Academy in Florida. There, he dominated alongside his twin brother Ace, earning accolades like USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year.
Flagg reclassified to join Duke for the 2024-25 college season, where he lived up to immense expectations. As a freshman, he averaged impressive numbers, led the Blue Devils to the Final Four, and swept major awards, including National College Player of the Year. His combination of size (6’9″ with a 7’0″ wingspan), athleticism, defensive versatility, and offensive skill set made him the consensus No. 1 prospect heading into the 2025 NBA Draft.
The Dallas Mavericks, who unexpectedly won the draft lottery despite not having one of the league’s worst records, selected Flagg first overall on June 25, 2025. General Manager Nico Harrison described the pick as a “win-now and win-later” move, pairing Flagg with veterans like Anthony Davis (acquired in a blockbuster trade) and Klay Thompson.
Flagg’s rookie season has exceeded even the loftiest projections. Entering the Christmas game, he was averaging around 19.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, with recent hot streaks including multiple 30+ point outings (e.g., 33 vs. Nuggets, 35 vs. Clippers, 42 vs. Jazz). His ability to handle primary ball-handling duties early in the season—despite initial struggles—has evolved into a versatile role where he excels in pick-and-roll situations, transition play, and clutch moments.
Statistically, Flagg ranks among the league’s top clutch scorers, trailing only stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cade Cunningham, and Tyrese Maxey in crunch-time points. His defensive prowess, honed at Duke, translates seamlessly to the pros: elite shot-blocking from the forward position, perimeter quickness, and relentless motor.
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has been vocal about Flagg’s growth. “Cooper is doing everything—off the pick-and-roll, screening, passing,” Kidd said after the Christmas loss. “He’s playing at a very high level for us.” Despite Dallas’ struggles (12-20 record entering the new year, compounded by injuries like Anthony Davis leaving the Warriors game early), Flagg has emerged as the team’s brightest spot and future cornerstone.
Curry’s Legacy and the Passing of the Torch
Stephen Curry’s comments resonate deeply because they come from a player who revolutionized the game. The two-time MVP and four-time champion has redefined shooting, spacing, and off-ball movement, influencing an entire generation—including Flagg, who grew up idolizing Curry’s style.
Curry’s own Christmas performance was solid: 23 points (including reaching 26,000 career points), helping the Warriors improve to 16-15. But the night belonged, in many ways, to the next wave. Curry’s acknowledgment of Flagg underscores a broader narrative in the NBA: the league’s transition from the Curry/LeBron/Durant era to a new guard led by talents like Flagg, Victor Wembanyama, and others.
As Curry put it, Flagg’s journey is one “you’ll wanna stay locked in on.” With his blend of skill, competitiveness, and intangibles, Flagg appears poised to become a perennial All-Star, potentially a franchise icon for Dallas, and a cornerstone for the NBA’s future.
The Christmas Day clash served as a symbolic passing of the torch. While the Warriors claimed the win, Flagg’s star turn—and Curry’s glowing endorsement—signaled that the league’s next era is already underway. As 2025 turns to 2026, all eyes will remain on Cooper Flagg, the rookie who continues to prove the hype was justified.
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