DALLAS — The Mavericks finally grabbed their fifth win of the season after edging the New Orleans Pelicans in a tight NBA Cup matchup. The 118–115 win gave the team its first group-stage victory, even though elimination had already arrived. The result still mattered because it showed progress in a season defined by upheaval and a deep reset after Nico Harrison’s exit. It also delivered a rare moment of joy for a franchise openly preparing for a rebuild. That win carried an extra layer of intrigue. Budding rookie Cooper Flagg faced his high-school teammate Derik Queen for the second time as pros.
Cooper Flagg Gets A Rare Win Against His HS Teammate, Derik Queen
The Mavs lost the first meeting, but this game belonged to Flagg, who delivered one of his most controlled performances of the season. Their matchup added weight to a night that already felt symbolic for a team searching for identity.
The Montverde Reunion Takes Center Stage
Former HS teammates Cooper Flag and Derik Queen BATTLED tonight
Flagg: 29 PTS | 7 REB | 5 AST | 2 STL
Queen: 20 PTS | 7 REB | 11 AST | 2 STLMavs get the W 118-115
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: @PelicansNBA) pic.twitter.com/kH6qKj856r
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 22, 2025
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Flagg and Queen have entered the league with built-in storylines. Their Montverde Academy partnership helped shape their profiles. This reunion lived up to expectations.
Flagg finished with 29 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Queen countered with 20 points, seven rebounds, 11 assists, and two steals. The night highlighted why the Cooper Flagg and Derik Queen became one of the most intriguing high-school pairings of their generation. It also reminded fans that both players remain capable of line-bending play even as their teams struggle.
Flagg Navigates a Chaotic Rookie Environment
Flagg continues to adjust to an unusual tactical world under Jason Kidd. The team’s point-guard experiment forced him to create more offense and absorb more pressure than he ever has. Yet he responded with steady production. He now averages 16.4 points per game, ranking second among all rookies. He adds 6.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and two combined steals and blocks per game. His only major struggle comes from deep, where he shoots 27.4 percent.
Still, the Mavericks value his activity and poise. Their long-term plan depends on his development because the franchise holds full control of its 2026 draft pick for the last time in years. Once they commit to a full reset, Flagg becomes the central piece.
Queen Thrives Amid Pelicans Turmoil
The Pelicans face their own crisis. The front office dismissed Willie Green and tasked James Borrego with stabilizing a skidding season in the interim. The consequences of this season could be dire with Atlanta controlling the Pelicans’ first-rounder in next summer’s draft. Meanwhile, President of Basketball Ops Joe Dumars launches a broad coaching search. The team has leaned more on Queen during this transition, and he has responded with promise and consistency.
He now averages 12.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and nearly two stocks per game. Derik Queen’s numbers place him in the top tier of this rookie class, strengthening the growing fascination with him and Cooper Flagg’s development. Both players continue to grow, even as their franchises wrestle with uncertainty.
What This Rivalry Means Moving Forward
Their contrasting situations make their matchups even more compelling. Flagg pushes through structural chaos as Dallas eyes a rebuild. Queen flourishes while New Orleans tries to reinvent its culture. Each meeting offers a snapshot of their diverging paths and shared potential.
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