Mavericks gift Cooper Flagg the unexpected break he desperately needed

Dallas' hope to continue to rise in the standings may hinge on the health of Cooper Flagg's thumb.

Dallas Mavericks, Cooper Flagg | Eric Espada/GettyImagesYoung Cooper Flagg has arrived. And so has some much-needed rest. The Dallas Mavericks inadvertently gifted Flagg a much-needed break by missing the NBA Cup Knockout Rounds. And in turn, provided the future of the franchise with time to rest his injured thumb. Some gifts don't come from under a Christmas tree.

Flagg sprained his right thumb in early November on a dunk attempt against the Washington Wizards, but he hasn’t let that stop his upward momentum throughout the season. The early Rookie of the Year candidate is posting stellar…