Bronny James Brings the Pressure, But Cooper Flagg Stands Tall in Gritty NBA Summer League Debut
Duke’s No. 1 Pick Battles Through Tough Defense to Showcase Promise in First Pro Game
It wasn’t the prettiest stat line, but it was a performance that revealed exactly why Cooper Flagg is still the talk of Duke basketball circles. In a nationally anticipated Summer League showdown between No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg and rising Lakers guard Bronny James, the 18-year-old former Blue Devil showed flashes of brilliance — even as the spotlight intensified. Facing double teams, relentless defense from Bronny, and the pressure of NBA expectations, Flagg dug deep. He didn’t fold. He battled. And that grit, more than the numbers, is what had Duke fans flooding social media after the final buzzer.
From the opening tip, Flagg was met with full-court pressure from James, who took the personal challenge of guarding him in a much-anticipated matchup between two of the most talked-about young prospects in the sport. And while Flagg’s shooting numbers on the night — 5-for-21 from the field — may raise eyebrows, what can’t be questioned is his poise, versatility, and willingness to compete through adversity.
Flagg finished with 10 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals in 31 minutes of action, showing off his complete skill set even as his shot refused to fall consistently. While it wasn’t the dominant scoring debut some may have expected, Flagg’s fingerprints were all over the game. He facilitated in the halfcourt, ran the break in transition, and made hustle plays on defense — all reminders of what made him Duke’s cornerstone and the NBA’s top choice.
James, to his credit, did his job well. The 6’1″ guard hounded Flagg with quickness and physicality, especially early in the game, helping limit the former Blue Devil to just 2 points in the second half. Postgame, Bronny spoke about the size mismatch and the mindset he brought to the challenge.
“He’s got like half a foot on me,” James said. “But you just try to stand your ground, stay smart, and fight.”
Still, Duke fans know the truth: Cooper Flagg isn’t just a scorer — he’s a competitor. And competitors adjust. Even while struggling with his shot, Flagg didn’t lose confidence. His effort didn’t waver. He stayed engaged, vocal, and aggressive, showing maturity beyond his 18 years. And perhaps most importantly, he stayed true to the same identity that made him a legend in Durham.
Flagg’s Duke teammates and coaches saw this before anyone else. At Cameron Indoor, he was the engine — averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists as a freshman while leading Duke to a 35-4 record and a Final Four appearance. His performance earned him Naismith Player of the Year honors, but it was his mindset — not just the numbers — that set him apart. That same mindset was on display in Las Vegas.
This wasn’t a flawless debut, but it was a foundation. One from which Flagg can build. One that showed he’s not just ready for the NBA spotlight — he’s willing to earn it the hard way.
The Mavericks pulled out an 87-86 win over the Lakers thanks to standout performances from Ryan Nembhard and Miles Kelly, who combined for 38 points. But even in victory, Dallas knows their long-term success hinges on Flagg’s evolution — and if Duke fans learned anything last season, it’s this: when the game gets tougher, Cooper Flagg gets better.
For now, it’s only the beginning. Duke faithful can take pride in knowing that one of their own, battle-tested and fearless, is already making his presence felt on the sport’s biggest stage.
So no, this wasn’t Cooper Flagg’s perfect debut. But it was a real one. A gritty, grounded performance that reminded everyone — including Bronny James — that when it’s all said and done, the Blue Devil is still just getting started.
