DALLAS — The Mavericks’ injury misfortune worsened during the second quarter of Wednesday’s prime-time matchup against the Denver Nuggets.
Cooper Flagg left the game with a left ankle sprain and did not return for the second half.
The Mavericks rookie rolled his ankle at the 6:01 mark of the second quarter while defending Nuggets forward Peyton Watson. Flagg went directly to the locker room and returned to the game with 2 minutes, 35 seconds left in the first half.
However, Flagg winced as he brought the ball up on his first possession following the injury. He managed to play the rest of the quarter, but that was the final time Mavericks fans would see him for the night.
It was apparent Flagg’s night was over when Mavericks two-way guard Ryan Nembhard started the third quarter in his place.
Flagg finished with six points, one rebound, one assist and one block in nearly 15 minutes of action.
The Mavericks will host the Utah Jazz on Thursday in the second night of a back to back. It is uncertain if Flagg will be able to play, but the Mavericks may want to be cautious with their approach given their recent luck with injuries.
Story by Mike Curtis, The Dallas Morning News.