The Mavericks lost their ninth game of the year on Wednesday night, a 123–114 defeat to the Suns. But the vibes were much better at American Airlines Center as it was the first home game after Dallas fired GM Nico Harrison, the man who will forever be known for trading Luka Dončić. The trade from last January cast such a pall over the team that Mavericks’ games in Dallas barely felt like home contests, with fans chanting for Harrison’s dismissal during key moments.
Now Harrison is gone and it will take a while to undo the damage he did, both to the roster and to the psyche of the fanbase. Thanks to the franchise’s outrageous stroke of luck during the draft lottery last summer, Cooper Flagg is there to help on both fronts. The exciting young rookie has struggled out of the gate to begin his first NBA season, a struggle likely exacerbated by a shoulder issue he’s been battling. But the flashes of his immense potential are on display every night for Mavs fans.
