Cooper Flagg's Overtime Heroics Lift Mavericks Past Blazers

Merlin sees Dallas break a three-game slide with a 138-133 overtime win over Portland, a night powered by Cooper Flagg’s 21 points, eight rebounds and five assists as he came alive in the second half and OT. P.J. Washington (21) and Klay Thompson (19, 5-of-11 from deep) helped carry the load while Portland’s Shaedon Sharpe (36), Deni Avdija (29) and Jerami Grant (26) kept it tight; the win moves Dallas to 4-10 while Portland falls to 6-7. Merlin notes the narrative: Flagg is still “finding his footing” — he missed a potential game-winner late but dominated overtime, a classic young-wizard moment of promise and imperfection. This game could be a turning point for confidence, though consistency against tougher foes (Minnesota next) will reveal whether it’s a spark or a flicker.