Irving and Flagg test new Mavericks offense in early wins
Kyrie Irving returns from injury to pair with Cooper Flagg, helping Dallas beat Miami and Indiana before Flagg's brief shoulder scare.
By Amelia Gupta ·
The Dallas Mavericks have a new identity centered on Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg. After Irving returned to the court in October, the two stars began combining for high-scoring performances that signaled a shift in the team's approach.
Irving missed the 2025-26 preseason and the start of the regular season while recovering from a torn left ACL he sustained in March 2025. He organized an informal minicamp in Southern California in early September to build chemistry with younger teammates, including Flagg, the 2025 No. 1 pick. Head coach Dusty May noted that the younger players listen closely to Irving, citing his experience as a factor in the team's development.
The Mavericks opened the season with a 128-110 loss to the Houston Rockets. Despite the defeat, Flagg scored 32 points. Kevin Durant observed that Houston’s defensive strategy focused entirely on trapping Irving, acknowledging his danger even after 600 days away from the game.
Dallas turned its record around on Friday with a victory over the Indiana Pacers. Irving and Flagg combined for 27 points and eight assists in the first half, leading to a 35-point lead. Flagg left the game late in the second quarter with a mild left shoulder sprain after a foul but returned to action on Monday.
In the Monday game against the Miami Heat, the Mavericks won on the road. Flagg recorded 29 points, six rebounds, 11 assists, five steals, and three blocks. Irving and Flagg together contributed 47 points and 17 assists. Flagg secured the win by blocking Andrew Wiggins' potential game-winning corner three-pointer in the final minute.
Irving, 34, holds a $42.4 million player option for the following season. President Masai Ujiri stated that the organization believes in Irving's ability to succeed in the current system. Irving described the team as a work in progress, noting that he is focused on building something new while managing the age gap with Flagg.
The Mavericks aim to establish a winning culture and return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2024 Finals appearance. Irving and Flagg will continue to play under a minutes restriction for Irving as he adjusts to a full game schedule.
