The Dallas Mavericks have always been a franchise rich in history, legendary players, and unforgettable moments. From the high-flying dunks of the 1980s to the championship glory of 2011, the Mavs have seen some of the greatest players to ever step on a basketball court. But one name stands above the rest in Dallas lore: Dirk Nowitzki. The German-born superstar revolutionized the power forward position, brought an NBA title to the city, and became one of the most beloved athletes in Dallas sports history. Even in retirement, his impact is still felt—and as it turns out, his legendary shooting touch hasn’t faded one bit.
In a stunning revelation, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd recently shared an incredible story from a private practice session. According to Kidd, Dirk Nowitzki, now 45 years old and several years removed from his playing days, faced off against Cooper Flagg—the 17-year-old phenom and projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft—in a one-on-one game. The result? A vintage Dirk performance, as he dismantled the young star with a final score of 12–4.
For those who haven’t followed Flagg’s rise, he is widely considered the best high school basketball player in the country and a future NBA superstar. Standing at 6’9” with elite athleticism, defensive instincts, and a rapidly improving offensive game, Flagg has drawn comparisons to Kevin Durant and Scottie Pippen. Many scouts believe he could be a franchise-changing talent, the kind of player who can alter the trajectory of an NBA team from day one. But on this day, he ran into a living legend—and Dirk Nowitzki proved that greatness doesn’t just fade away.
The game was played at the Mavericks’ practice facility, where Flagg had been invited to train alongside current NBA players. According to Kidd, the matchup wasn’t planned—it started as a friendly challenge, with players and coaches egging on the young star to test himself against one of the greatest scorers in NBA history. At first, it seemed like a fun, lighthearted moment. But once the ball was tipped, Dirk flipped the switch.
Using his signature one-legged fadeaway, Nowitzki methodically picked apart Flagg’s defense. Despite being decades older and far less explosive than his teenage opponent, Dirk’s footwork, basketball IQ, and pure shooting touch were too much to handle. Flagg, known for his defensive versatility, tried everything—tight closeouts, physicality, even contesting shots at the peak of Dirk’s release—but nothing worked. The old master was simply unstoppable.
On the other end, Flagg struggled to score against Dirk’s length and positioning. Though he managed a few tough buckets, Nowitzki’s defensive awareness and veteran tricks made life difficult for the young star. By the time the game reached its conclusion, the scoreboard told the story: 12–4, a dominant win for the future Hall of Famer.
So, what does this mean for Cooper Flagg? Absolutely nothing in the grand scheme of things. Losing a one-on-one game to Dirk Nowitzki is no indictment on his potential—after all, Dirk made a career out of embarrassing defenders much more experienced than Flagg. But the matchup does serve as a reminder of just how special Nowitzki was (and still is). Even in his mid-40s, with no NBA training or game conditioning, he can still school a player who might be the next face of the league.
For Mavericks fans, the story is a beautiful trip down memory lane. Dirk’s one-legged fadeaway was one of the most unguardable shots in NBA history, and seeing that it still works against elite young talent is a testament to his skill. It also speaks to the timeless nature of true greatness. Basketball is often seen as a young man’s game, dominated by athleticism and speed, but Dirk’s performance against Flagg proves that skill, fundamentals, and basketball intelligence never go out of style.
The matchup also raises an interesting question: How would prime Dirk fare in today’s NBA? The league has evolved since his retirement, with an even greater emphasis on three-point shooting and floor spacing. Nowitzki, a 7-footer who could shoot from anywhere and punish smaller defenders in the post, would arguably be even more lethal in today’s game. His ability to stretch the floor while also being a go-to scorer in clutch moments would make him a perfect fit for the modern era.
As for Cooper Flagg, the loss is nothing more than a learning experience—one he can laugh about now but also use as motivation. Facing a legend like Dirk, even in a casual setting, is invaluable. Few young players get the chance to test themselves against an all-time great, and Flagg will likely take lessons from this game into his NBA career. If anything, it’s a humbling reminder that no matter how talented you are, there’s always another level to reach.
For Jason Kidd and the Mavericks organization, the story is a fun anecdote that bridges the past and future of basketball. Kidd, who played alongside Dirk during the 2011 championship run, has seen firsthand what Nowitzki is capable of. Watching him dismantle a future NBA star in a pickup game must have been a surreal moment—one that reinforces just how legendary Dirk truly is.
In the end, the tale of Dirk Nowitzki beating Cooper Flagg 12–4 isn’t just about basketball. It’s about legacy, respect, and the enduring magic of the game. Dirk may no longer be suiting up for the Mavericks, but his presence still looms large. And for one afternoon, in an empty gym with no cameras or crowds, he reminded everyone why he’s one of the greatest to ever do it.
As for Flagg? He’ll be just fine. This loss will soon be a footnote in what promises to be an incredible career. But for now, it’s Dirk’s world—and we’re all just living in it.
