The Mavericks entered Friday night's game against the Celtics looking for Cooper Flagg to put on a show, but he has to stay healthy

Flagg’s own homecoming will get overshadowed by Tatum’s potential return, but the 19-year-old sounded pumped to play at the Garden. He’s averaging 20.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game for the Mavs in his rookie season. Dallas isn’t going anywhere amid a rebuilding season, but Flagg has showed why he went No. 1 overall.

Cooper Flagg became the second fastest player in NBA history to reach 1,000 points in his return from injury.

The Mavericks rookie received an electric ovation from the home crowd at TD Garden, the closest NBA arena to his hometown of Newport, Maine.

After growing up as a Celtics fan, the Newport native got his first chance to play in their home arena, and acknowledged it was a 'special' experience.

Amongst the sea of green and white at TD Garden Friday, there were sizeable pockets of blue jerseys with 32 emblazoned across the front and back. From Houlton to Calais to Eliot, Mainers came out Boston in droves to root for one of their own: the basketball phenom and Newport native Cooper Flagg.

Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg is set to play against the Boston Celtics on March 6, 2026, marking his NBA homecoming. Returning from an eight-game absence due to a foot sprain, Flagg recently achieved 1,

The Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg has earned some elite praise from this former Grizzlies and Knicks head coach.