Flagg injures shoulder on hard foul by Pacers' Nesmith

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 23: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the game against the Indiana Pacers on October 23, 2026 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE
Luther Schlaifer / National Basketball Association / Getty

Dallas Mavericks star Cooper Flagg missed the remainder of Friday's 121-105 win over the Indiana Pacers due to left shoulder soreness.

Flagg was injured on a flagrant-1 foul from Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith as he attempted a transition layup with just under a minute to go in the second quarter.

Mavs forward Naji Marshall immediately confronted Nesmith, which led to a skirmish between the two teams.

Marshall and Nesmith were both assessed technical fouls for their actions.

"Nesmith's a great guy. Heck of a player. I've known him since he was in high school," Mavs head coach Dusty May told reporters postgame, including Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News. "Obviously, an unfortunate play. Hopefully Coop's fine, but obviously it's something we wish wouldn’t have happened."

Flagg had 14 points, six assists, five boards, and three steals in 17 minutes before his abrupt exit.

The Duke product is the reigning winner of the NBA's Rookie of the Year award.

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