George scores 37, Marklkanen adds 33 as Jazz top Mavericks in OT despite Flagg's career-high 42
DALLAS – The American Airlines Center was poised to coronate its new king on Wednesday night, but the Utah Jazz had other plans. In a contest that will undoubtedly be remembered as Cooper Flagg’s true arrival as an NBA superstar, it was the Jazz’s dynamic duo of Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen who played the role of spoilers, combining for 70 points to overcome Flagg’s historic performance in a thrilling overtime victory.
Flagg, the consensus No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 Draft, was nothing short of electric. The rookie forward erupted for a career-high 42 points, showcasing the versatile two-way dominance that made him the most anticipated prospect since Victor Wembanyama. From thunderous transition dunks to poise in the post, Flagg kept the Dallas Mavericks within striking distance all night, eventually forcing overtime with a contested three-pointer that sent the home crowd into a frenzy.
Yet, the extra period belonged to the visitors. Keyonte George, continuing his ascent as one of the league's premier young guards in his third season, took command of the offense when the pressure peaked. George finished with a dazzling 37 points, dissecting the Mavericks' defense with a series of decisive drives and perimeter shots. His chemistry with Markkanen proved to be the ultimate difference-maker. Markkanen, the Jazz's franchise cornerstone, added 33 points and secured pivotal rebounds in traffic, punishing Dallas whenever they over-committed to trapping George.
While the Jazz celebrated a gritty road win that pushes them up the Western Conference standings, the narrative in Dallas remained focused on their rookie sensation. Flagg became the youngest player in franchise history to eclipse the 40-point mark, a feat that even his illustrious predecessors didn't accomplish so early in their tenures.
For Utah, this victory serves as a statement of intent: their rebuild has matured into a competitive reality. For the Mavericks, the loss stings, but the silver lining is blinding. Cooper Flagg is not just the future; he is the present, and despite the result, Wednesday night served as a warning shot to the rest of the league.
Flagg, the consensus No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 Draft, was nothing short of electric. The rookie forward erupted for a career-high 42 points, showcasing the versatile two-way dominance that made him the most anticipated prospect since Victor Wembanyama. From thunderous transition dunks to poise in the post, Flagg kept the Dallas Mavericks within striking distance all night, eventually forcing overtime with a contested three-pointer that sent the home crowd into a frenzy.
Yet, the extra period belonged to the visitors. Keyonte George, continuing his ascent as one of the league's premier young guards in his third season, took command of the offense when the pressure peaked. George finished with a dazzling 37 points, dissecting the Mavericks' defense with a series of decisive drives and perimeter shots. His chemistry with Markkanen proved to be the ultimate difference-maker. Markkanen, the Jazz's franchise cornerstone, added 33 points and secured pivotal rebounds in traffic, punishing Dallas whenever they over-committed to trapping George.
While the Jazz celebrated a gritty road win that pushes them up the Western Conference standings, the narrative in Dallas remained focused on their rookie sensation. Flagg became the youngest player in franchise history to eclipse the 40-point mark, a feat that even his illustrious predecessors didn't accomplish so early in their tenures.
For Utah, this victory serves as a statement of intent: their rebuild has matured into a competitive reality. For the Mavericks, the loss stings, but the silver lining is blinding. Cooper Flagg is not just the future; he is the present, and despite the result, Wednesday night served as a warning shot to the rest of the league.
