Magic edge Mavericks 115-114 on Carter Jr.’s clutch dunk as Cooper Flagg returns from injury

The Orlando Magic (33-28) pulled off a dramatic 115-114 victory over the Dallas Mavericks (21-41) on Thursday night, capping off a wild finish that saw the home team score the final five points to steal a win from the jaws of defeat.

Cooper Flagg made his return to action after missing eight games with a sprained left foot, and the rookie sensation didn’t disappoint despite some shooting struggles. The top NBA draft pick scored 18 points on 7-of-22 shooting in 26 minutes, adding five rebounds, six assists, and a career-high four blocks. His three-point play with 37.3 seconds remaining appeared to seal the victory for Dallas, giving the Mavericks a 114-110 lead.

NBA

– Journée 6032026

Orlando Magic 115

Dallas Mavericks 114

Flagg reaches historic milestone in return

The 19-year-old phenom reached a significant career milestone during his comeback performance. His first basket of the game, a putback early in the fourth quarter, pushed him over 1,000 career points in just his 50th game. According to ESPN Insights, Flagg joined Michael Jordan and Luka Doncic as the only players since the 1976 NBA-ABA merger to record 1,000 points, 300 rebounds, and 200 assists in their first 50 games.

PROFIL JOUEUR

Cooper FLAGG

Poste(s): Ailier Fort

Taille: 206 cm

Âge: 19 ans (21/12/2006)

Nationalités:

Stats 2025-2026 / NBA

PTS

20,3

#40

REB

6,5

#61

PD

4,2

#65

Flagg set the tone early, making clever passes and attacking the rim with authority. He assisted on Dallas’s first two scores of the game, finding Khris Middleton and Max Christie for 3-pointers. His energy helped the Mavericks build an early 14-point lead in the second quarter.

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Klay Thompson provided the offensive fireworks for Dallas, coming off the bench to score 24 points on seven made 3-pointers. Thursday marked Thompson’s 200th career game with five or more made 3-points. Middleton contributed 19 points, with 10 coming in the crucial fourth quarter.

Orlando’s late-game heroics steal victory

Despite trailing for most of the contest, the Magic found their rhythm in the second half. Tristan da Silva led Orlando with 19 points off the bench, while Jalen Suggs finished with 17 points and seven assists. Paolo Banchero recorded a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds.

The dramatic finish unfolded in the final minute. After Flagg’s three-point play gave Dallas a four-point cushion, Suggs responded with a clutch 3-pointer with 32.2 seconds remaining. Following a missed jumper by Flagg, Suggs found Carter Jr. in the paint for the game-winning slam with 1.4 seconds on the clock.

The loss extended Dallas’s struggles, as they’ve now dropped 15 of their last 17 games. The Mavericks played without Brandon Williams due to a left quad contusion. Dallas will look to bounce back when they visit Boston on Friday, while Orlando travels to Minnesota on Saturday.