Instant Reactions: Marvin Bagley, Cooper Flagg lead Mavericks past Trail Blazers

Dallas Mavericks center Marvin Bagley III rose up and slammed home an alley-oop in the fourth quarter to help Dallas take the lead against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Bagley has played well since being traded to the Mavericks in the Anthony Davis deal at midseason. He finished with 26 points and nine rebounds in Dallas’ 100-93 win over Portland.

He also got help from Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg, who finished with 24 points, three rebounds and two assists. After the game, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said the organization should make Flagg’s Rookie of the Year campaign a priority.

“Yeah, I think it’s a big priority that the organization pays attention to this,” Kidd said. “But it’s not just the organization. This is a partnership, and Cooper has to be able to do his part. And he’s doing his part. He’s having a historic year as a rookie. When you put his numbers up against past rookies who have won the award, it’s clear-cut that it’s not even close that he is the one that will win Rookie of the Year.”

Flagg bounced back after struggling with his efficiency since returning from a foot injury. He shot 9-of-17 (53 percent) in the win.

Naji Marshall added 19 points and five steals.

With the victory, the Mavericks earned their 10th road win of the season.