Cooper Flagg sprained his left ankle against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday. He’s missed only one game up to this point. Tim Heitman / Getty Images
DALLAS — Dallas Mavericks rookie forward Cooper Flagg exited Wednesday’s game against the Denver Nuggets with a left ankle sprain and will not return.
The injury occurred midway through the second quarter when Flagg was trying to defend Nuggets forward Peyton Watson’s drive to the rim.
Flagg subbed out with 6:01 remaining in the second quarter. He tried playing through the discomfort, returning to the game with 2:35 remaining in the second quarter.
Yet, Flagg was officially ruled out after halftime.
Flagg has been one of the Mavericks’ most durable players this season. He has missed only one game.
Flagg tweaked his left ankle in Monday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets but was able to return to the floor in Dallas’ 113-105 win. Before Wednesday’s game, Flagg was presented with the Western Conference Rookie of the Month award in December. Flagg is averaging 19.9 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists this season. He leads the Mavericks in total minutes, points, rebounds, assists and steals.
Flagg’s left ankle sprain came one day after the Mavericks announced Anthony Davis would miss at least six weeks.