Chapter 1
The backyard battleground of Newport
Chapter 2
The Duke dominance and lottery luck
Chapter 3
Navigating the rookie ruts
Chapter 4
The statement game of October 2026
Chapter 5
Team chemistry and the sophomore leap
Ch 5 · Team chemistry and the sophomore leap
BETA
dave Time your passes to learn how Flagg's court chemistry handed the Thunder their first loss.
Glossary
sophomore leap (noun)
A significant improvement in a person's performance, skills, or output during their second year of an activity. In October 2026, Cooper Flagg showed this growth, scoring 26 points to hand Oklahoma City a defeat.
A significant improvement in a person's performance, skills, or output during their second year of an activity. In October 2026, Cooper Flagg showed this growth, scoring 26 points to hand Oklahoma City a defeat.
Fun Fact
Acquiring a top pick: The Mavericks acquired former number-one pick Zaccharie Risacher in a three-team trade with the Hawks and the Thunder.
Quiz
How many points did Kyrie Irving score in his first home game back against the Thunder?
Quiz
What position or role has Cooper Flagg embraced in his second season to make playmaking easier?
Quiz
What was the Mavericks' win-loss record after defeating the Thunder on October 28, 2026?
Quiz
Which former number one overall pick did the Mavericks acquire in a three-team offseason trade to bolster their bench?
Quiz
Which major injury kept Kyrie Irving from playing a home regular-season game for over a year before October 2026?