Flagg supplies wow factor defensively; Mavericks win summer opener

LAS VEGAS – A few minutes into Thursday’s NBA Summer League opener for the Mavericks, one thing became clear.

This Flagg does not fly half mast.

Cooper Flagg stole the ball midway through the first quarter and barreled downcourt for a high-flying one-handed jam that ignited a large crowd at Thomas & Mack Center. It was the sort of athletic, full-tilt play that can make a fanbase giddy.

Then, on the next possession, Flagg buried a step-back jumper that drew more oohs and ahhs.

But neither of those were his biggest highlight.

That came with a game-saving blocked shot on fellow Duke product DJ Steward that triggered a quick transition and a three-pointer by Ryan Nembhard for the winning points in…