Dallas Mavericks' promising rookie, Cooper Flagg, was forced to leave their game against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday, January 15, 2026, after sustaining a left ankle injury. The incident casts a shadow on the Mavericks' 108-118 defeat at the hands of the Nuggets.
The Moment of the Injury
The injury occurred during the second quarter of the intense NBA matchup. With precisely 6:01 remaining on the clock before halftime, Flagg was called for a foul while defending Denver's Peyton Watson. In the ensuing action, the 19-year-old prospect twisted his ankle as he fell to the court.
Flagg initially managed to walk off the court under his own power, heading directly to the locker room for evaluation. In a show of resilience, he returned to the bench and even re-entered the game for the final 2 minutes and 35 seconds of the first half.
Second Half Scratch and Game Outcome
However, the young star did not emerge from the locker room after the halftime break. The team later announced that Cooper Flagg would be unable to continue for the remainder of the contest, sidelined for the entire second half.
Without their rookie contributor, the Mavericks could not overcome the Nuggets' challenge. The game concluded with a final score of 108-118 in favor of Denver, marking a tough loss for Dallas compounded by the potential loss of a key player.
What's Next for Flagg and the Mavericks?
The immediate focus for the Dallas Mavericks organization and its fans will be the severity of Cooper Flagg's left ankle sprain. The team has not yet provided a timeline for his recovery or potential return to the lineup.
This injury represents a significant setback for the highly-touted rookie, who is viewed as a crucial part of the Mavericks' future. The team's medical staff will conduct further assessments to determine the full extent of the damage and outline a rehabilitation plan.
