Cooper Flagg Shines, but Mavs Fall to Suns in Post-Nico Harrison Era Opener

The Dallas Mavericks entered Wednesday hoping for a fresh start after the dismissal of general manager Nico Harrison. Instead, the team looked much like it had in recent weeks, falling 123–114 to the Phoenix Suns at American Airlines Center.

The loss was Dallas’ sixth in its past seven games and came just 24 hours after the front office shakeup. Harrison’s departure was meant to reset the franchise’s trajectory, but the on-court issues that fueled his exit remained visible throughout the night.

Strong start fades quickly

Dallas opened with energy and built an 18-9 lead behind P.J. Washington, who attacked the paint effectively before leaving in the first quarter with a left shoulder injury. He did not return, and the Mavericks struggled to maintain their early momentum.

Rookie Cooper Flagg briefly exited with a shoulder concern of his own but returned and delivered one of the best all-around performances of his young career. The No. 1 pick finished with 16 points, six rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocks in 33 minutes. His activity on both ends kept Dallas competitive as the offense cooled.

The Mavericks shot well overall, finishing at 50 percent from the field, but early missed threes and long stretches of stagnant possessions opened the door for Phoenix to take control. The Suns took a 30-28 lead early in the second quarter and slowly extended it behind Devin Booker and the second unit.

Suns’ depth and Dallas' turnovers decided the game

Booker finished with 26 points and nine assists, but Phoenix’s depth played an even larger role. Grayson Allen scored 23 points, Dillon Brooks added 18 and Jordan Goodwin contributed 13 off the bench. The Suns shot 40 percent from three and moved the ball crisply, recording 31 assists on 44 made field goals.

Dallas could not match that level of efficiency. The Mavericks turned the ball over 21 times, which Phoenix converted into 31 points. The Suns, by comparison, committed only 12 turnovers and allowed 16 points off their mistakes.

Even with Dallas blocking 10 shots and matching Phoenix in points in the paint, the turnover disparity and free-throw gap — 21-of-26 for Phoenix and 11-of-17 for Dallas — created the separation that defined the night.

Allen opened the fourth quarter with back-to-back threes, pushing Phoenix’s lead to 16. Dallas made a late push and trimmed the margin to three, but two empty possessions stalled the run and the Suns closed the game out at the line.

Klay Thompson led Dallas with 19 points and six made threes. Brandon Williams added 17 points and nine assists, and Daniel Gafford posted 15 points and nine rebounds.

A symbolic night, but not a turning point

The Mavericks hoped Harrison’s firing would spark an immediate lift, but Wednesday provided a reminder of how much work remains. Without Washington and without Anthony Davis, who continues to sit with a calf injury, the team lacked stability and consistency.

Dallas returns Friday to host the Los Angeles Clippers in its second NBA Cup game. With injuries mounting and the season slipping early, Flagg’s continued development remains the clearest source of optimism for a team still trying to steady itself.

1. The post-Nico boost never arrived

The Mavericks played with effort, but the same issues that plagued the team under Harrison’s tenure resurfaced, particularly turnovers and late-game execution.

2. Cooper Flagg continues to shine

Flagg delivered another poised, mature performance. His defensive instincts and playmaking stood out, especially during Dallas’ late push.

3. Washington’s injury could be costly

Already short-handed, the Mavericks cannot afford another absence from a key starter. His injury could weigh heavily on the upcoming NBA Cup schedule.

4. Phoenix’s depth is a strength

Booker led the scoring, but Allen, Brooks, Goodwin and Dunn all produced meaningful stretches. The Suns’ balance proved decisive.

5. The margin for error is still thin

Dallas shot 50 percent and won the rebounding battle but could not overcome the 21 turnovers and the 10-point difference at the free-throw line.

Up next:

The Mavericks dropped to 3–9 and host the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday in their second NBA Cup game. The Suns return home to face the Indiana Pacers on Thursday.

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