Instant Reactions: Cooper Flagg scores a career-high to lift Mavericks over Pelicans

Cooper Flagg soared through the air for a furious dunk that gave the Dallas Mavericks their second lead of the game late in the third quarter.

The American Airlines Center erupted.

When the Pelicans reclaimed the lead early in the fourth, Max Christie responded in similar fashion. His driving dunk put Dallas back in front and brought the AAC to its feet again.

Then, Naji Marshall made a late 3-pointer to help the Mavericks beat the Pelicans 118-115 on Friday.

The win moved Dallas to 1–2 in NBA Cup play. The Mavericks entered the night with a minus-20 point differential in group games.

Dallas is in West Group B with the Clippers, Lakers, Grizzlies and Pelicans. Each team plays one game against the other four in its group, with two at home and two on the road. The winner of each group — along with one wild-card team with the best record among non-group winners — advances to the knockout round.

Pelicans rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen controlled the first quarter. Fears scored 11 points, including three 3-pointers, and recorded two steals during a 24–14 New Orleans run. Queen finished with 20 points and 11 assists.

Dallas will host the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday at the AAC.