Dallas Mavericks star Cooper Flagg exited Friday night’s game against the Indiana Pacers with an apparent shoulder injury after taking a hard foul while attempting a layup.
In the final minute of the second quarter, Flagg made a great defensive play to intercept a pass and broke down the court for what was looking like a very easy layup for the second-year pro out of Duke.
What he may not have anticipated was Pacer Aaron Nesmith hustling behind him and fouling him as he approached the basket.
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Flagg went down hard under the basket and stayed down on the floor for some time.
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The Mavericks weren’t big on that one for obvious reasons. You’ve always got to stick up for your stars.
Nesmith was dealt a flagrant foul, but not before some pushing and shoving broke out.
And shout-out to Pacers assistant coach Jenny Boucek, who dove straight into the fray to retrieve Nesmith.
As for Flagg, he unfortunately left the game and did not return.
That was a turning point in the game, considering Dallas was up by 33 points at the time of Nesmith’s foul on Flagg. However, this one ended up being way closer than you’d think, given the margin at the half.
The Mavericks held on to win by a score of 121-108, and while they undoubtedly will be fired up about the win, it might be overshadowed by concern for Flagg.