The extremely anticipated duel between the No. 1 and No. 2 picks within the 2025 NBA Draft happened on the Thomas & Mack Heart in Las Vegas—and it delivered. Regardless of a 31-point efficiency 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-Level Outburst Isn’t Sufficient
Cooper Flagg, the Mavericks’ No. 1 general draft decide, confirmed why he was chosen first. He dropped a Summer season League-leading 31 factors on 10-of-21 taking pictures, together with three threes, added 4 rebounds and one block, and performed 31 minutes of high-impact basketball.
After a quiet debut the place he scored simply 10 factors, Flagg got here out aggressive, dominating the stat sheet—despite the fact that the Mavericks finally fell quick.
Harper’s Environment friendly, All-Round Recreation Wins Out
Harper had 16 factors in solely 20 minutes off the bench, taking pictures 5-for-12 from the sphere. He additionally contributed six rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block—all whereas controlling the tempo of the sport.
The Spurs leaned on Harper’s composure and well timed scoring to carry off a late Dallas surge. San Antonio constructed an early lead and withstood Flagg’s third-quarter scoring run to safe the win.
“It’s about as hyped as I’ve been in a bit minute to play basketball,” Harper stated after the sport. “He had a very good recreation. I had a very good recreation. We sort of simply confirmed the NBA world what we’re about.”
Recreation Dynamics by the Numbers
Spurs stability: Harper was the one starter in double figures, whereas guard David Jones-Garcia led the Spurs with 21 factors off the bench.
Mavericks reliance on Flagg: Flagg scored almost half of Dallas’s whole factors. The subsequent highest scorer was Miles Kelly with 11.
Recreation management: Dallas mounted a 21-12 run within the third quarter to chop it shut, however Harper’s poise and the Spurs’ protection closed it out.
Flagg’s Takeaways
Regardless of the loss, Flagg confirmed important enchancment from his debut. His means to hit photographs from all three ranges and defend a number of positions reaffirmed why he was the highest decide. He even took on some main ball-handling duties through the recreation.
“I’m getting extra snug,” Flagg stated postgame. “I knew after my first recreation I needed to be extra aggressive. At this time felt higher, however I need the win too.”
Harper’s Impression Past the Field Rating
Although his minutes had been restricted, Harper’s influence was felt throughout the board. His defensive positioning, transition passing, and skill to create area beneath strain helped stabilize the Spurs each time the Mavericks made a push.
Spurs Summer season League coach Mike Noyes praised Harper’s efficiency: “We knew he was prepared. He was locked in from the primary possession.”
Media Response
The basketball media had lots to say following the showdown. CBS Sports activities referred to as it one of the crucial electrical rookie matchups in current Summer season League historical past. ESPN praised Flagg’s bounce-back efficiency whereas highlighting Harper’s environment friendly stat line and composure.
One post-game headline learn: “Flagg Shines, However Harper Wins.” It mirrored the overall consensus—Flagg stuffed the spotlight reel, however Harper made the successful performs.
Participant Comparability: First Head-to-Head
Participant
Group
Minutes
Factors
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 Ahead
Harper’s efficiency boosts his case for a big position in San Antonio’s rotation as soon as the common season begins. His means to provide effectively briefly stints may very well be important behind a beginning backcourt that features Tre Jones and Devin Vassell.
For Dallas, Flagg confirmed flashes of celebrity potential. Whereas the group struggled with turnovers and depth, Flagg’s shot creation and confidence had been main positives. His two-way potential stays elite, and Mavericks coaches seem keen to present him rising duties.
Fan Response and Social Buzz
Social media lit up with highlights, together with Flagg’s transition dunk within the third quarter and Harper’s no-look help to Jones-Garcia. Followers on X posted side-by-side comparisons and debated who had the higher recreation: the stat monster or the ground common.
One widespread remark learn: “Flagg had the numbers. Harper had the W. All of us win if that is the way forward for the league.”
Trying Forward
The Mavericks will subsequent face the Charlotte Hornets and rookie Kon Knueppel, whereas the Spurs match up towards the Utah Jazz. Each groups are anticipated to proceed creating rotations and chemistry earlier than Summer season League concludes.
As for Harper and Flagg, this was solely Spherical One in what may develop into a multi-year rivalry between two of probably the most promising gamers within the 2025 draft class.
Remaining Ideas
Flagg’s 31-point breakout proved he has elite scoring instincts. However Harper’s poised and environment friendly recreation finally led to a group win—and left a powerful first impression on each followers and scouts.
Whereas it’s far too early to attract large conclusions, one factor is for certain: the NBA’s subsequent era is able to compete.
