NBA Notes: Mavericks, Cooper Flagg, Suns, Devin Booker, Warriors

Mavericks

The Mavericks got through Thursday night just fine without their prized rookie, but the bigger picture remains worth watching.

Top pick Cooper Flagg sat out the 144-122 win over Utah with a left ankle sprain, marking just the second game he’s missed all season. The first came back in November due to illness. This one was more concerning.

Flagg twisted the ankle during Wednesday’s loss to Denver while defending Peyton Watson. He limped straight to the tunnel before returning briefly, clearly uncomfortable, and didn’t come back after halftime.

It was also the second straight game he tweaked that same ankle, after needing it retaped earlier in the week.

Dallas is being cautious, understandably so. Flagg has been everything advertised, averaging 18.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists, and has been the early Rookie of the Year favorite. 

Suns

Things were quieter but still notable in Phoenix.

Devin Booker missed Thursday’s one-possession loss to Detroit due to ankle swelling after playing through the issue earlier in the week. He’s putting up 25.2 points and 6.5 assists and remains the engine of the Suns, so his status matters.

Coach Jordan Ott said there’s optimism Booker could return Saturday at New York.

Meanwhile, guard Jalen Green is participating in full five-on-five work as he inches closer to returning from a hamstring injury that’s kept him out for over two months.

Warriors

Winning helps. It doesn’t erase everything.

The Warriors have quietly won 10 of 14 after a shaky start, capped by Thursday’s convincing win over New York. On the floor, things look solid.

Off it, the Jonathan Kuminga situation remains unresolved.

Multiple reports say Kuminga formally issued a trade demand once he became eligible, though that desire has been known for months.

Sacramento and Dallas are among the teams with interest.

Golden State continues to prioritize expiring contracts and flexibility, but nothing is imminent.

Inside the locker room, veterans insist it’s not a distraction. Draymond Green said as much. Stephen Curry echoed it, noting the team’s focus is winning and letting the rest sort itself out.

Kuminga hasn’t played in weeks, but he’s around, working individually, staying upbeat.

Jimmy Butler, one of his loudest supporters, made it clear the locker room still has his back, whether that future is in Golden State or elsewhere.

Steve Kerr acknowledged it’s a difficult situation. No argument there.