Instant Reactions: Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg’s 51 points not enough against Magic

With fellow No. 1 overall pick Paolo Banchero draped over him, Cooper Flagg rose up and buried a long midrange jumper over his former Duke brother.

Banchero has already become one of the faces of the Orlando Magic. Flagg is still learning what it means to carry that same responsibility for the Dallas Mavericks.

In back-to-back possessions during the third quarter, Flagg went directly at Banchero. He drilled a 3-pointer on one trip and drew a foul on the next, continuing one of the most aggressive stretches of his night.

Flagg finished with a career-high 51 points and added six rebounds.

Orlando ultimately pulled away for an 138-127 victory, but Flagg never backed down from the challenge Banchero presented.