With Onyeka Okongwu euro-stepping toward the basket, Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg rose up and sent the Hawks center’s shot attempt into the first row.
It marked Flagg’s second chase-down block of the night. When Nickeil Alexander-Walker broke toward the rim, Flagg tracked him down from behind and swatted the shot — a play reminiscent of LeBron James’ iconic block in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals.
While the moment didn’t carry the stakes of a Finals elimination game, Flagg’s effort stood out. On both sequences, the rookie could have conceded the play, but his persistence resulted in momentum-shifting stops.
Atlanta Hawks coach Quin Snyder said before the game that Flagg’s motor jumped off the film.
“He just competed every play on defense,” Flagg said. And that’s unique. There’s a lot of plays in this league. So, to be able to have competitive focus on that end of the floor is really impressive.”
Flagg finished with 17 points, six rebounds, five assists and two blocks in a 135-120 loss to the Hawks.
He was supported by P.J. Washington and Max Christie. Washington, starting at center, continues to settle into a role as the team’s small-ball five, finishing with 23 points and nine rebounds. Christie added two 3-pointers, accounting for six of his 13 points.
Mavericks center Daniel Gafford had a season-high 24 points and added eight rebounds.
The Mavericks (23-47) will face the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.