Klay Thompson gives Cooper Flagg flowers in the heat

Veteran guard Klay Thompson credited rookie forward Cooper Flagg for his continued growth and confidence after The Dallas Mavericks beat the Brooklyn Nets 113–105 on Monday evening.

Thompson addressed Flegg’s recent relationship during his postgame presser, a video of which was shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, by Abby Jones of DLLS Sports. The veteran emphasized Flagg’s willingness to compete every night and how that consistency translates into comfort on the field, especially late in games.

“His willingness to be out there every night and go through whatever it takes will pay off when the future comes. You saw every week how comfortable he is with the ball in his hands, especially at the end of a game like tonight, that shot at the top of the key takes a lot of confidence and that becomes more normal as time goes on and the fans will be more normal for him … a long time – and it gets better every week, you don’t win Rookie of the Month for back-to-back months without doing something right.

“He’s willing to be there every night. … That’s going to pay huge dividends when the future comes. … Mavs fans are very happy to watch him every night and will be for a long time.”

Klay Thompson on Cooper Flagg 💯

(via @_abugiiniil)pic.twitter.com/bK0IaAtf4v

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 13, 2026

Klay Thompson highlights Cooper Flagg’s growth as Mavericks rookie shines

Flagg led Dallas in the win, finishing with 27 points, five rebounds, five assists, three steals and one block while shooting 10-for-17 from the field, 5-for-6 from the free throw line and 2-for-3 from three-point range in 35 minutes. His performance helped snap a two-game skid as the Mavericks improved to 15–25 on the season.

The The 19-year-old is taking more and more responsibility in critical moments, late ball handling and attacking posture. That role has expanded as Dallas continues to evaluate lineups and rely on Flegg’s versatility on both ends of the floor.

In 39 games this season, Flagg is averaging 19.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 48 percent from the field and 29.3 percent from beyond the arc in 34.6 minutes per game. His production remained steady despite the physical demands of an expanded role.

Dallas will continue their four-game stretch on Wednesday night against the Denver Nuggets (26–13). Tipoff is set for 9:30 PM ET on ESPN as the Mavericks look to build on Monday’s win and keep the momentum going through a challenging stretch of the schedule.