When Dallas Mavericks stepped onto the court at American Airlines Center on October 22, 2025, no one expected a 125‑92 drubbing by the San Antonio Spurs. The loss didn’t just sting because of the margin; it also marked the NBA debut of 19‑year‑old Cooper Flagg, who logged a double‑double while playing point guard – a position he’s never occupied in college.
Season‑Opening Shock: What Went Wrong?
The Mavericks shot a paltry 38.2% from the field and a dismal 22.7% from three‑point range. By contrast, the Spurs were efficient, hitting 52.1% overall and 40.9% from beyond the arc. Victor Wembanyama, the 7‑foot‑4 French phenom, turned the paint into his personal playground, tallying 28 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks. As ESPN’s play‑by‑play showed, his rim protection alone altered at least a dozen attempts.
Why Flagg’s Point‑Guard Experiment Fell Short
Head coach Jason Kidd announced in June that he would test Flagg at the two‑guard spot to see if the 6‑foot‑9 forward could handle the ball under pressure. “I want to make him uncomfortable and see how he reacts,” Kidd said to Sports Illustrated in October. The idea was bold, but the execution faltered early. Flagg’s first 15 seconds featured a steal, yet his next two field‑goal attempts were misses. A crucial turnover at the 8:22 mark of the first quarter – forced by rookie guard Stephon Castle – sparked a Spurs fast‑break that widened the gap.
Flagg did find his footing in the third quarter, scoring eight of his ten points and pulling down ten rebounds overall. Still, the damage was done. The video clip shared on the Mavericks’ official YouTube channel at 10:01 AM UTC on October 23 captured his driving layup at 9:47 of the third quarter – a moment of promise amid a night of frustration.
Reactions From the Bench, the Front Office, and the Fans
“Everything looked difficult for Dallas on Wednesday night’s loss, and that will only make the pressure mount on this team further,” wrote Jake Fischer, a Sports Illustrated reporter. ESPN analyst Doris Burke added, “Wembanyama’s rim protection altered 12 shots tonight – that’s not something you can simply coach against.”
Back in Dallas, chants of “Fire Nico” echoed in the arena, directing heat at General Manager Nico Harrison. Harrison, who signed Flagg to a four‑year, $42.1 million rookie contract on July 1, 2025, now faces questions about roster construction and whether the experiment was worth the embarrassment.
Financial Stakes and Luxury‑Tax Pressure
The Mavericks entered the season burdened by a $185 million luxury‑tax bill for 2024‑25 – the second‑largest in NBA history. Forbes reported on August 15, 2025 that owner Miriam Adelson could see an additional $25 million in penalties if the team’s performance doesn’t improve. The opening loss did nothing to allay those fears.
- Final score: Spurs 125, Mavericks 92
- Flagg’s line: 10 points, 10 rebounds (4‑of‑13 shooting)
- Wembanyama: 28 points, 14 rebounds, 5 blocks
- Mavericks field‑goal %: 38.2%; three‑point %: 22.7%
- Upcoming game: vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, Oct 25, 2025, 8 PM CT
What’s Next for Dallas?
The next test comes against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on October 25. Betting lines have already shifted, with DraftKings showing the Thunder as 3.5‑point favorites as of October 23. For Kidd and Harrison, the priority will be to tighten up ball‑handling, find a rhythm for Flagg, and keep the luxury‑tax nightmare at bay.
Historical Context: From Finals to Fumble
Just a year ago, the Mavericks marched to the 2025 NBA Finals, only to lose to the Boston Celtics in five games. Kidd, at the helm since June 28, 2021, amassed a 132‑90 regular‑season record through 2024‑25. Yet the transition from a Finals contender to a team battling double‑digit losses highlights how quickly fortunes can flip in the NBA’s parity‑driven landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the loss affect Cooper Flagg’s role with the Mavericks?
Flagg’s double‑double shows promise, but his struggles handling the ball under pressure suggest the Mavericks will likely ease him back to the wing. Expect Coach Kidd to use him in limited minutes while evaluating his comfort level at guard versus forward.
What financial consequences could the Mavericks face if the season continues like this?
With a $185 million luxury‑tax bill already on the books, continued poor performance could trigger further penalties estimated at $25 million or more. Those costs would fall on owner Miriam Adelson and could limit future free‑agency spending.
Why did the Spurs dominate the paint against Dallas?
Victor Wembanyama’s 5‑block night changed the dynamics inside the lane. His height and length forced Mavericks players into uncomfortable shooting angles, leading to lower field‑goal percentages and missed second‑chance opportunities.
What does the "Fire Nico" chant reveal about fan sentiment?
The chant targets GM Nico Harrison, signaling frustration over roster moves—particularly the decision to play Flagg at point guard. It underscores a growing impatience that could pressure the front office to make swift personnel adjustments.
When and where is the Mavericks' next game?
Dallas heads to Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 8:00 PM Central Time to face the Thunder. Betting odds now favor Oklahoma City by 3.5 points.
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