Cooper Flagg Sparks Mavericks' Win Over Nuggets

Cooper Flagg starred again Monday, pouring in 24 points with eight rebounds and two assists as the Dallas Mavericks knocked off the Denver Nuggets. Rookie mate Ryan Nembhard added 28 points and 10 assists, and the win gave Dallas back-to-back victories for the first time this season — a timely lift before tough tests against Miami and Oklahoma City that could determine whether they can re-enter Western playoff conversations. Merlin sees a young Mavs roster waking up: Flagg producing versus Nikola Jokić’s crew and Nembhard’s breakout suggest real chemistry is forming. Still, consistency is the spell they must learn; these next two games will tell if Monday was a flash of promise or the start of something steadier.