Cooper Flagg, Mavericks Disappoint Fans with Loss to Pelicans Without Zion Williamson

Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks fell 101–99 at home to the New Orleans Pelicans, who were without star player Zion Williamson, on Wednesday.

Flagg discussed the continued losing after the game:

Williamson suffered a hamstring strain and is expected to be sidelined seven to 10 days, the team announced Tuesday.

Despite a highlight-reel poster in the first quarter, Flagg finished with 20 points, nine rebounds, three steals and two blocks, but missed an eight-foot game-tying shot as the Mavericks dropped to 2-6.

P.J. Washington added 15 points and eight rebounds with two steals, while Klay Thompson finished with 11 points.

The Pelicans' Saddiq Bey led the charge with 22 points and nine rebounds, and Kevon Looney added eight points and six rebounds in New Orleans' second win of the season, improving the team to 2-6.

Fans reacted to the Mavericks' loss to the previously one-win Pelicans team, who were without Williamson.

In a tightly contested matchup, the Pelicans built a 29–19 lead in the first quarter, but the Mavericks battled back to trail by three points at halftime.

The Pelicans held a slim 78–77 advantage entering the final quarter, as both teams traded baskets. Down the stretch, the Mavericks held off New Orleans with key free throws, and Flagg missed a potential game-tying shot as time expired.

The Mavericks will play the first night of a back-to-back on Friday, hitting the road to face the Memphis Grizzlies.