Cooper Flagg hits Mac McClung with a savage gesture after a violent move

The New Dallas Mavericks sensation Cooper Flagg has become the center of attention Wednesday at the American Airlines Center, not just for his stats, but for his gutsy display on the court against the Indiana Pacers guard Mac McClung.

Standing 6-foot-9, Flagg took advantage of the size mismatch on McClung, a 6-foot-2 G League sensation who debuted at Indiana, and scored on a jumper in the fourth quarter, celebrating with a “too small” gesture.

Flagg stepped up after Anthony Davis left early in the first quarter with an injury to the lower left leg. Dallas, already dealing with the absences of Kyrie Irving, Derek Lively II, Daniel Gafford and Dante Exum, relied heavily on their rookie forward. Flagg finished with 15 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and one block in 35 minutes. What’s more, he shot 6-of-11 from the floor, made all three of his free throws and made key plays down the stretch to help the Mavericks beat the Pacers 107–105.

Throughout the contest, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft showcased his all-around game. He started slowly, recording just two points and one rebound in eight minutes of the first quarter, but gradually established himself. By halftime, he had four points, five rebounds and two assists.

In the third quarter, Flagg helped turn a three-point halftime deficit into a lead, scoring four points and grabbing three rebounds. His dominance in the fourth quarter, including a post-up on McClung, was essential in sealing the win.

Dallas also got contributions from its bench. Brandon Williams led the way with 20 points and seven rebounds, Dwight Powell added 18 points, six boards and two blocks, and D’Angelo Russell added 14 points with five assists. Max Christie also scored 10 points off the bench.

Missing Davis and several starters, the Mavericks rallied from an early 14-point hole against a Pacers team that was itself struggling with injuries to Tyrese Haliburton, Benedict Maturin, Andrew Nembhardt, TJ McConnell and others.

Dallas improved to 2-3 on the season and will next face the Detroit Pistons in Mexico City on Saturday.