Cooper Flagg's Determination Praised by NBA Fans As Mavs Lose to Westbrook, Kings

Despite the Dallas Mavericks' 113-107 road loss to the Russell Westbrook and the Sacramento Kings on Saturday, fans praised Cooper Flagg for turning it around in the second half in an effort to will his team to victory.

Flagg entered halftime with two points, both coming at the free-throw line as the first half wound down, but finished with 23 points, six rebounds and five assists. He shot 7-of-13 from the field and set the tone for the Mavericks, who fell to 12-21 on the season.

Klay Thompson added 14 points on 4-of-8 shooting from the three-point line, and P.J. Washington finished with 17 points as the Mavericks played without Anthony Davis, who was sidelined with a groin strain.

For the Kings, Westbrook finished with 21 points, nine assists and five rebounds, while DeMar DeRozan struggled to find his rhythm, scoring nine points to go with six assists.

Fans praised Flagg for his determination in keeping the Mavericks within striking distance despite the team's sluggish play.

With the win, the Kings improved to 8-23 and jumped the New Orleans Pelicans to move out of last place in the West.

The Kings carried a 15-point lead into halftime, led by 12 points and six assists from Westbrook. Maxime Raynaud added 11 points.

Dallas will hit the road to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday.