The Dallas Mavericks and rookie Cooper Flagg dropped their first game after parting ways with general manager Nico Harrison, falling to the Phoenix Suns 123–114 at home on Wednesday.
The team announced Tuesday that Harrison had been relieved of his duties “effective immediately” after the Mavericks fell to 3–8 on the season.
The move followed heavy criticism of Harrison’s decision to trade Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in February. Doncic has since helped lead the Lakers to an 8–3 record, while Dallas continues to struggle despite boasting a talented roster and the No. 1 overall pick in Flagg.
Fans reacted strongly after the Mavericks dropped their first game following Harrison’s firing, expressing frustration over the team’s continued struggles despite the leadership change.
Flagg finished with 16 points, six rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocks, while Klay Thompson added 19 points on 37.5 percent shooting and three rebounds in the loss.
Phoenix’s Devin Booker led the charge with 26 points, nine assists and three rebounds to power the Suns to victory.
The Suns led the Mavericks 65-53 at halftime, paced by 16 points from Devin Booker and 13 from Dillon Brookes. Dallas’ Flagg and Brandon Williams each had seven points at the break, while Klay Thompson added nine.
Phoenix kept control in the fourth quarter, holding a 10-point lead and never letting up, closing out the game with a nine-point victory.
Dallas will host the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday.
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