Cooper Flagg Outduels Kevin Durant, Wows NBA Fans with Double-Double Despite Mavs' Loss to Rockets

Cooper Flagg's double-double wasn't enough to lift the Dallas Mavericks to a victory over Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets on Saturday, falling by the final score of 111-107 at the Toyota Center.

With the score tied 107-107 and just under 30 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Rockets star Alperen Şengün connected on a go-ahead layup. Flagg failed to tie the game with a layup of his own on Dallas' ensuing possession before a dunk by Houston forward Tari Eason sealed the final result.

Flagg finished with 34 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and one block while shooting 13-of-25 from the field.

As for Durant, he only scored 13 points on 6-of-17 shooting. He dished out eight assists compared to just one turnover, though.

Despite the loss, fans were impressed with Flagg's performance.

Houston opened Saturday's contest with a 15-8 lead, but Dallas quickly stormed back with a 10-2 run to jump in front.

Both teams traded baskets with neither pulling away for the majority of the first half, but the Rockets were able to gain some more breathing room before halftime following an alley-oop slam by Jabari Smith Jr. as well as a triple from Durant prior to the end of the second quarter.

Houston led 59-51 at the half.

The Rockets started the third quarter on a high note and eventually held a 82-69 edge, although the Mavericks closed the period on a 13-5 run and remained within striking distance.

Houston pushed its lead to double digits once again with just over five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Flagg quickly helped Dallas respond, connecting on a series of short jumpers and floaters to keep the game close.

The Mavericks couldn't find a way to secure the comeback win after tying the contest, though.

The Rockets won with a balanced scoring effort, as all five of their starters finished with at least 13 points.

Şengün shot just 6-of-20 from the field, but scored 14 points and pulled down 14 rebounds in 35 minutes on the floor. Smith chipped in with 19 points on 7-of-13 shooting as well.

For the Mavericks, Daniel Gafford also recorded a double-double by compiling 16 points and 11 rebounds.

While Houston isn't typically known for its quick pace, the team was able to emerge victorious by pushing the ball down the floor. The Rockets scored 17 points in transition compared to just nine for the Mavericks.

Houston also took care of the ball, racking up 33 assists compared to a mere six turnovers.

The Rockets improved to 30-17 with the win, as the Mavericks fell to 19-30.