The Dallas Mavericks opened the 2026 calendar year on a rough note. Dallas fell 123-108 to the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, extending its skid to four straight losses.
While the result wasn’t what the Mavericks hoped for, the matchup featured a notable rookie storyline on the floor.
Cooper Flagg and VJ Edgecombe, two of the NBA’s most talked-about first-year players, went head-to-head in what many viewed as a glimpse into the league’s future. After all, Flagg and Edgecombe are two of the top three rookies this 2025-26 campaign.
Flagg had an off night shooting the ball, finishing with 12 points on 5-of-15 shooting. Despite the struggles, the 19-year-old filled the box score with seven rebounds, seven assists and a steal in roughly 37 minutes of action.
Edgecombe, meanwhile, delivered one of his more complete performances of the season. The Sixers rookie scored 23 points on an efficient 9-of-14 shooting, while adding five rebounds and two assists. He also made his presence felt on the defensive end with four steals.
Cooper Flagg Speaks Out on Rivalry With VJ Edgecombe
After the game, Flagg was asked whether his matchups with Edgecombe are starting to feel like a rivalry. The No. 1 pick of the 2025 NBA Draft, however, had a rather interesting response.
“I mean, I wouldn’t say it’s a rivalry,” Flagg said, per Ron Harrod Jr. of DLLS Mavs. “Obviously with the awards and everything, you’re always playing against each other. You’re put against those guys that are in your class for the rookie stuff.”
Flagg added, “But I got a lot of love for VJ. We’ve competed at a really high level against each other for three years now. There’s a lot of love and respect there. He’s a competitor and a winner at the highest level. and that always shines through.”
Flagg’s comments reflect a history that goes beyond one regular-season game. The two rookies have been crossing paths for years, and that trend won’t be changing anytime soon as they look to establish themselves as stars in the NBA.
With the loss, Dallas dropped to 12-23 on the season, while Philadelphia improved to 18-14.
