After a quiet debut that raised more questions than answers, Cooper Flagg wasted no time flipping the narrative in Game 2 of Summer League.
The former Duke phenom looked like the No. 1 pick the basketball world expected, pouring in 31 points in 31 minutes against the San Antonio Spurs. It was a massive improvement over his sluggish first outing versus the Lakers—and a powerful reminder of his elite competitiveness.
Flagg finished the game with:
31 points
4 rebounds
1 assist
1 block
10-of-20 FG
3-of-8 from three
8-of-13 from the free-throw line
Despite a strong defensive effort from Spurs rookie Carter Bryant, Flagg consistently found ways to score—just like he did last year when Duke faced Arizona twice, torching Bryant’s squad for 24 and 30 points respectively.
Pride. Adjustment. Response.
Flagg admitted his debut didn’t meet his standards. Game 2? A statement.
He showed exactly what makes him special: high-level awareness, pride in performance, and a fire to improve. Even while still not in peak condition, he carried the Mavericks offense for long stretches.
Tim Legler Points Out a Flaw
Still, not everything was perfect. Former NBA sharpshooter Tim Legler called out an issue in Flagg’s shooting mechanics:
> “I could see it from behind as soon as it came off his hands—it was clear it wasn’t going in. The ball flight was off,” Legler explained.
“He turns his wrist too much. That’s not an easy fix.”
Legler added that unless corrected, Flagg could end up being a low 30s shooter from deep—a serious limitation for someone expected to lead a franchise.
But there’s hope. Flagg now shares a locker room with Klay Thompson, one of the purest shooters in NBA history. That mentorship could prove invaluable. Also, Chip Engelland, a legendary shooting coach and Duke alum, remains one of the best “shot doctors” in the game.
What’s Next?
This performance shows why scouts and fans alike believe Flagg could be a future MVP or Hall of Famer. The talent is there. The mindset is elite. The tools are just beginning to sharpen.
The NBA now knows: Game 1 was the exception. Game 2? That’s more like Cooper Flagg.
