Cooper Flagg Eats PB&J on the Bench During Mavericks’ Win Over Nets

Cooper Flagg Dallas Mavericks peanut butter and jelly sandwich during Brooklyn Nets game, Digi Mart USA News: Cooper Flagg scored 25 points and set a career-high 12 assists as the Dallas Mavericks beat the visiting Brooklyn Nets 130-93 on Sunday night. The defending NBA Rookie of the Year also ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich while on the bench during the game.

The moment was lighthearted but drew attention for the 19-year-old star, who was the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and led Dallas in total points, rebounds, assists and steals last season. Flagg, now listed at 6-foot-9 and weighing 205 pounds, is working to keep up his weight while continuing to gain muscle.

“Listen, I thought about this,” Flagg said. “I want to give a shout out to our strength staff.

Our medical staff, they’re the best in the business, and I’m trying to put on some weight, keep gaining muscle. So those requirements I got to meet, and I’m just trying to stay ahead of it.”

Flagg said the sandwich was necessary because Dallas had another game on Monday. “We got another game (Monday),” he said, “so just trying to get my calories and stay ahead of it, and be ready for another one.” He added that he prefers grape jelly and smooth peanut butter, saying, “I can’t do the crunchy.”

Teammate Daniel Gafford praised Flagg’s work ethic. “Man, he works in the weight room every day, and I’m pretty sure he’s building his body mass throughout this season.

So, I mean, it was shown on full display tonight.”

Flagg played only 28 minutes, checking out of the game for good with 8:28 left in the fourth quarter. Dallas, now 6-4, led wire-to-wire against the 2-8 Nets.

The Mavericks were scheduled to host the Indiana Pacers, who have a 3-7 record, on Monday night at 7 p.m.

First-year Mavericks coach Dusty May said he would like to close out games early whenever possible. “I’d love to do this every night if possible,” May said.

“No, obviously, to not have to go to the wire, it’s less taxing mentally and physically … So hopefully they get a good night’s rest.”