Derik Queen Pelicans Rally to Stun Cooper Flagg Mavericks

Merlin sees Dallas collapse late, falling 119 113 in New Orleans after surrendering a fourth quarter lead. Cooper Flagg and Derik Queen, both Montverde class of 2024, squared off with Flagg finishing 16 points, six rebounds and six assists while Queen posted 19, 11 and six. Zion Williamson added 24 and nine and Klay Thompson scored 20. Dallas led 63 57 at the half but could not close, slipping to 11 19 as the Pelicans improved to 8 22. Merlin notes the game highlights rookie promise and veteran inconsistency. Flagg looks calm for a top pick but Dallas needs better late game defense and energy, especially on a back to back. New Orleans may be ugly to watch but their grit could lift them out of the muck if Queen and Williamson keep producing.