The highly anticipated duel between the No. 1 and No. 2 picks in the 2025 NBA Draft took place at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas—and it delivered. Despite a 31-point performance by Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks, it was Dylan Harper of the San Antonio Spurs who claimed the early bragging rights in a 76-69 Spurs victory.
Flagg’s 31-Point Outburst Isn’t Enough
Cooper Flagg, the Mavericks’ No. 1 overall draft pick, showed why he was selected first. He dropped a Summer League-leading 31 points on 10-of-21 shooting, including three threes, added four rebounds and one block, and played 31 minutes of high-impact basketball.
After a quiet debut where he scored just 10 points, Flagg came out aggressive, dominating the stat sheet—even though the Mavericks ultimately fell short.
Harper’s Efficient, All-Around Game Wins Out
Harper had 16 points in only 20 minutes off the bench, shooting 5-for-12 from the field. He also contributed six rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block—all while controlling the tempo of the game.
The Spurs leaned on Harper’s composure and timely scoring to hold off a late Dallas surge. San Antonio built an early lead and withstood Flagg’s third-quarter scoring run to secure the win.
“It’s about as hyped as I’ve been in a little minute to play basketball,” Harper said after the game. “He had a good game. I had a good game. We kind of just showed the NBA world what we’re about.”
Game Dynamics by the Numbers
- Spurs balance: Harper was the only starter in double figures, while guard David Jones-Garcia led the Spurs with 21 points off the bench.
- Mavericks reliance on Flagg: Flagg scored nearly half of Dallas’s total points. The next highest scorer was Miles Kelly with 11.
- Game control: Dallas mounted a 21-12 run in the third quarter to cut it close, but Harper’s poise and the Spurs’ defense closed it out.
Flagg’s Takeaways
Despite the loss, Flagg showed significant improvement from his debut. His ability to hit shots from all three levels and defend multiple positions reaffirmed why he was the top pick. He even took on some primary ball-handling responsibilities during the game.
“I’m getting more comfortable,” Flagg said postgame. “I knew after my first game I had to be more aggressive. Today felt better, but I want the win too.”
Harper’s Impact Beyond the Box Score
Though his minutes were limited, Harper’s impact was felt across the board. His defensive positioning, transition passing, and ability to create space under pressure helped stabilize the Spurs whenever the Mavericks made a push.
Spurs Summer League coach Mike Noyes praised Harper’s performance: “We knew he was ready. He was locked in from the first possession.”
Media Reaction
The basketball media had plenty to say following the showdown. CBS Sports called it one of the most electric rookie matchups in recent Summer League history. ESPN praised Flagg’s bounce-back performance while highlighting Harper’s efficient stat line and composure.
One post-game headline read: “Flagg Shines, But Harper Wins.” It reflected the general consensus—Flagg filled the highlight reel, but Harper made the winning plays.
Player Comparison: First Head-to-Head
| Player | Team | Minutes | Points | Rebounds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper Flagg | Mavericks | 31 | 31 | 4 | 3 threes, 1 block |
| Dylan Harper | Spurs | 20 | 16 | 6 | 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block |
What It Means Going Forward
Harper’s performance boosts his case for a significant role in San Antonio’s rotation once the regular season begins. His ability to produce efficiently in short stints could be vital behind a starting backcourt that includes Tre Jones and Devin Vassell.
For Dallas, Flagg showed flashes of superstar potential. While the team struggled with turnovers and depth, Flagg’s shot creation and confidence were major positives. His two-way potential remains elite, and Mavericks coaches appear eager to give him growing responsibilities.
Fan Response and Social Buzz
Social media lit up with highlights, including Flagg’s transition dunk in the third quarter and Harper’s no-look assist to Jones-Garcia. Fans on X posted side-by-side comparisons and debated who had the better game: the stat monster or the floor general.
One popular comment read: “Flagg had the numbers. Harper had the W. We all win if this is the future of the league.”
Looking Ahead
The Mavericks will next face the Charlotte Hornets and rookie Kon Knueppel, while the Spurs match up against the Utah Jazz. Both teams are expected to continue developing rotations and chemistry before Summer League concludes.
As for Harper and Flagg, this was only Round One in what could become a multi-year rivalry between two of the most promising players in the 2025 draft class.
Final Thoughts
Flagg’s 31-point breakout proved he has elite scoring instincts. But Harper’s poised and efficient game ultimately led to a team win—and left a strong first impression on both fans and scouts.
While it’s far too early to draw big conclusions, one thing is certain: the NBA’s next generation is ready to compete.
