In a thrilling yet tumultuous game on November 11, 2025, Cooper Flagg made headlines by scoring a career-high 26 points, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to achieve this milestone. At only 18 years and 324 days old, Flagg matched LeBron James. He tied the NBA record for most consecutive games scoring over 25 points! His individual performance was noteworthy but what stood out most was how quickly the evening turned as Raptors fans began chanting, “Fire Nico!” aimed at the Dallas Mavericks general manager, Nico Harrison. The team’s last-second loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, 116-114, in Dallas at the American Airlines Center.
When it counted most, Flagg was up to the challenge and dangerous enough to help lead the Mavericks. Sadly, that loss sent their record tumbling to 3-8. The game showcased Flagg’s skills and potential, which drew praise from observers, including Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont, who was in attendance. The excitement surrounding Flagg’s achievement was overshadowed by ongoing frustrations among fans regarding the team’s management.
The Mavericks came out of the gates hot, taking a vigorous 13-point lead. Yet while the Bucks mounted a remarkable comeback and cut the lead to just one point, fan anxiety was peaking in the arena. Chants calling for Harrison’s firing echoed from the stands for most of the fourth quarter. They got particularly rowdy during key moments – like when the Mavericks drew four-straight free-throws in the final minutes to seal the game. The most memorable chant came when P.J. Washington clanked a game-winning free-throw down to 1.2 seconds left.
Mavericks players are adamant that the direction provided by new head coach Jason Kidd is what they need to turn this thing around. They don’t let outside distractions, including bad management decisions, stop them. Daniel Gafford echoed the idea of the team focusing on gameplay first, saying,
“It’s a lot of outside noise we can focus on, but the main focus should be us winning games.” – Daniel Gafford
He added that winning would ultimately help to regain fan support.
“And we’re going to win fans back if we start winning games. That’s plain and simple, honesty. We can’t really just focus on that because if we do, it’s not going to do anything but hold us back.” – Daniel Gafford
Klay Thompson addressed the situation, acknowledging that fans would always have their opinions but stressing the importance of staying focused on the game.
“You got to focus. You got to give the fans something to be proud of. I think our effort was incredible tonight, the last couple games. So, fans will be fans. Can only control what you can control, so they’re going to do what they do, but it’s important for us to just stay the course.” – Klay Thompson
Even with all the mayhem around him, Flagg didn’t lose focus and continued to work on his craft and player development. He noted the importance of hard work and consistency as he continues to grow in his role within the team.
“All I can do is keep working, keep showing up, keep getting in the gym, trusting the reps, trusting the work, getting with the coaches, watching film, and just continue to be confident,” – Cooper Flagg
Discontented chants roared through the arena as frustration grew among zealous supporters. P.J. Washington made a very good point about what the fans must be feeling.
“Everybody has an opinion, so everybody’s entitled to that,” – P.J. Washington
The combination of Flagg’s record-setting night and the Mavericks’ struggles paints a complex picture of a team at a crossroads. While Flagg’s performance offers a glimpse of hope for the future, it underscores an urgent need for improvement and cohesion moving forward.
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