Ja Morant Tops Cooper Flagg; Fans Slam Nico Harrison

Merlin sees Cooper Flagg and the Mavericks fall 118–104 to Ja Morant and the Grizzlies at home, dropping Dallas to 2–7 and a fourth straight loss. Memphis snapped its skid and earned its first NBA Cup group win as Morant posted 21 points, 13 assists and three steals; Jaren Jackson Jr. added 17. Rookie Flagg finished with 12 points and six rebounds, Max Christie led Dallas with 18, and Klay Thompson went 0‑for‑6. A runaway third quarter left the Mavs buried and fans directing blame at GM Nico Harrison. Merlin senses more than a bad night — a veteran roster that should do better is showing schematic and effort cracks. Flagg’s growth is a long game, but Dallas needs quick fixes on defense and rotations. Saturday’s game vs. Washington is a small test that will reveal if adjustments stick or the pressure rises.