Cooper Flagg Drops 31 in Summer League Breakout, But Blames Missed Free Throws—and Mom’s Disapproval

Cooper Flagg turned heads in the 2025 NBA Summer League with a breakout 31-point performance for the Dallas Mavericks, showcasing the potential that made him the No. 1 overall pick. But despite the offensive explosion, Flagg was quick to call out a flaw in his game that he—and his mom—weren’t too happy about: his free throw shooting.After a rocky Summer League debut where he scored just 10 points on 5-of-21 shooting, questions swirled about whether Cooper Flagg could live up to the lofty expectations. He answered emphatically in his second outing against the San Antonio Spurs, dropping 31 points in just 31 minutes. It was the highest-scoring performance by a No. 1 pick in Summer League since John Wall in 2010.Flagg shot 10-of-21 from the field and connected on 3-of-9 from beyond the arc, marking his first made threes of the tournament. He also made his presence felt by attacking the rim relentlessly, drawing 13 free throw attempts—a major jump from the single attempt he had in his debut. His all-around game was on display as he chipped in with four rebounds, one assist, and a block.Despite his standout night, Cooper Flagg went just 8-for-13 from the line, converting at a rate of about 61%, well below his 84% average at Duke. After the game, Flagg admitted the missed opportunities were hard to ignore, joking, “I still missed a bunch of free throws, and I think my mom was not happy with that.”His mother, Kelly, has been vocal in the past about her frustration with his free throw habits, often reminding him that they’re “free for a reason.” And in a game the Dallas Mavericks lost by seven points, the missed shots from the line loomed large.Flagg’s shooting form has also drawn attention from analysts, who have pointed out flaws such as a sideways rotation that could hinder his consistency from deep. While his court vision, defense, and ball-handling have received praise, his shooting remains the most glaring area for development.The Dallas Mavericks are already working to address the issue, aiming to help Flagg improve through targeted drills and muscle memory adjustments. With his strong work ethic and youth on his side, there’s confidence that improvement will come in time.Cooper Flagg’s commanding performance is a positive sign for a Dallas team preparing for a new era beyond Luka Dončić. His ability to shoulder a heavy offensive load and contribute across the board hints at his potential as a franchise cornerstone.Head coach Jason Kidd has expressed excitement about Flagg’s future, suggesting he could evolve into a point forward capable of influencing all facets of the game. Even with shooting inconsistencies, Flagg’s aggressive mindset and two-way potential give the Dallas Mavericks plenty to build around.Also read: NBA Speculation: Giannis Antetokounmpo’ Future Raises Eyebrows as LeBron James' Trade Talk FadesCooper Flagg’s 31-point showcase wasn’t just a highlight-reel performance—it was a statement of intent. His honesty about his free throw woes adds a relatable dimension to his rise, reminding fans that even the most talented prospects have areas to improve. If he can refine his shooting mechanics and maintain his fearless approach, Flagg could emerge as the generational talent Dallas hoped for when they drafted him.