Dylan Harper Beats Cooper Flagg in Summer League

The extremely anticipated duel between the No. 1 and No. 2 picks within the 2025 NBA Draft happened on the Thomas & Mack Middle 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 total draft decide, confirmed why he was chosen first. He dropped a Summer time League-leading 31 factors on 10-of-21 capturing, 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—although the Mavericks finally fell brief.

Harper’s Environment friendly, All-Round Sport Wins Out

Harper had 16 factors in solely 20 minutes off the bench, capturing 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 just a little minute to play basketball,” Harper stated after the sport. “He had sport. I had sport. We type of simply confirmed the NBA world what we’re about.”

Sport 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 practically half of Dallas’s complete factors. The following highest scorer was Miles Kelly with 11.
Sport 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 vital enchancment from his debut. His skill to hit pictures 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 tasks through the sport.

“I’m getting extra comfy,” Flagg stated postgame. “I knew after my first sport I needed to be extra aggressive. Right this moment felt higher, however I would like the win too.”

Harper’s Influence Past the Field Rating

Although his minutes have been restricted, Harper’s impression was felt throughout the board. His defensive positioning, transition passing, and talent to create house underneath stress helped stabilize the Spurs at any time when the Mavericks made a push.

Spurs Summer time 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 a lot to say following the showdown. CBS Sports activities known as it one of the crucial electrical rookie matchups in current Summer time 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 final consensus—Flagg crammed 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 major function in San Antonio’s rotation as soon as the common season begins. His skill to supply effectively in brief stints may very well be important behind a beginning backcourt that features Tre Jones and Devin Vassell.

For Dallas, Flagg confirmed flashes of famous person potential. Whereas the staff struggled with turnovers and depth, Flagg’s shot creation and confidence have been main positives. His two-way potential stays elite, and Mavericks coaches seem keen to offer him rising tasks.

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 sport: the stat monster or the ground basic.

One in style 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 in opposition to the Utah Jazz. Each groups are anticipated to proceed creating rotations and chemistry earlier than Summer time League concludes.

As for Harper and Flagg, this was solely Spherical One in what may grow to be a multi-year rivalry between two of probably the most promising gamers within the 2025 draft class.

Closing Ideas

Flagg’s 31-point breakout proved he has elite scoring instincts. However Harper’s poised and environment friendly sport finally led to a staff win—and left a robust first impression on each followers and scouts.

Whereas it’s far too early to attract massive conclusions, one factor is for certain: the NBA’s subsequent technology is able to compete.