Cooper Flagg exited the Dallas Mavericks’ game against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night after aggravating a left ankle injury. It created a tense moment inside American Airlines Center.
Flagg appeared to roll his ankle while defending in the second quarter as he was taken to the basket. He landed awkwardly on his left foot and immediately showed visible discomfort before heading to the locker room. The crowd fell silent as the rookie was helped off the floor.
The injury came just two days after Flagg had been laboring on the same ankle during Dallas’ win against Brooklyn on Monday. He eventually returned against Denver but did not appear to be fully healthy, moving cautiously and lacking any burst. He was ruled out for the second half and did not return.
Cooper Flagg immediately goes down and grabs his left foot and hops off the floor back. Heading back to the locker room. Pic.twitter.com/1QSYTHe5CT
— Abby Jones (@_abigaiiiil) January 15, 2026
Coming off a dominant season at Duke, Flagg entered the NBA with big expectations and has quickly become a key contributor for Dallas. With Kyrie Irving sidelined and Anthony Davis in and out of the lineup, Flagg has carried a heavy load, averaging 19.1 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists through 39 games.
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