Cooper Flagg Dominates NBA Summer League Debut as RJ Davis Struggles: A Perfect Night for Duke Fans
Flagg shines under the lights while former UNC rival RJ Davis fades, fueling the Duke-UNC rivalry at the next level
Las Vegas — The NBA Summer League stage is built for breakout moments, and last night, Cooper Flagg delivered one of the most talked-about debuts of the offseason. The former Duke sensation made his presence felt immediately in his first NBA appearance, leading the Dallas Mavericks to a victory over the Los Angeles Lakers and making a bold statement in the process.
Flagg’s final stat line — 10 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block — tells only part of the story. From the opening tip, Flagg controlled the pace, displayed elite defensive instincts, and looked every bit like a player ready to transition seamlessly into the league. It wasn’t just his numbers — it was the poise, vision, and competitive fire that had NBA scouts buzzing.
And for Duke fans, it couldn’t have been sweeter — not just because of Flagg’s star-making performance, but because of who was on the other side of the court.
RJ Davis Falters in Debut for Lakers
In a twist of fate only college basketball fans could appreciate, Flagg’s debut came against his old rival: RJ Davis, the former North Carolina Tar Heel. But while Flagg was rising, Davis was sinking.
Coming off the bench for the Lakers, Davis managed just seven minutes on the floor, recording three points on 1-of-4 shooting. He also missed a wide-open layup so badly that it sailed over the backboard — a lowlight that quickly made its rounds on social media. The difference between Flagg and Davis on the court was glaring. One looked like a franchise cornerstone; the other looked unsure and overwhelmed.
Duke fans didn’t waste any time. By the end of the night, one viral post summed it up:
“Dear, NBA. Welcome to the Cooper Flagg show.
Sincerely, Duke fans.”
Even more painful for Tar Heel faithful? Last night’s result made Flagg 4-0 all-time in head-to-head matchups against RJ Davis. Some rivalries don’t end in college — they just evolve. And Duke fans have every reason to enjoy this chapter.
More Blue Devil Talent on Display
The night wasn’t just about Flagg. Another former Blue Devil, DJ Steward, who has carved out a spot in the G-League since going undrafted in 2021, played significant minutes for the Lakers. Steward turned heads with an impressive 14 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals in 26 minutes of action — showing grit and hustle that’s kept his pro dream alive.
In another game, Tyrese Proctor, another recent Duke product, made his NBA debut for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Starting for the Cavs, Proctor logged 28 minutes and contributed 14 points, two steals, two assists, and a rebound, despite the team falling short against the Indiana Pacers. His calm playmaking and scoring touch were both on full display.
Duke’s NBA Pipeline is Alive and Well
The bigger story of the night may be what it signals: Duke’s NBA pipeline is more alive than ever. From rookies like Cooper Flagg to developing talents like Proctor and Steward, the Blue Devils are proving that their players don’t just get drafted — they show up and make an impact.
And the timing couldn’t be more perfect. With the college basketball offseason heating up and recruiting battles intensifying, every game like this reinforces why Duke continues to attract elite talent year after year.
What’s Next?
Cooper Flagg and the Mavericks return to Summer League action on Saturday, July 12, against the New Orleans Pelicans. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET, and fans can catch the game on ESPN2 and ESPN+. With Flagg now firmly on the NBA radar, expect more eyes than ever to be watching.
Meanwhile, RJ Davis and the Lakers will need to regroup — quickly.
Final Thoughts
The Duke-UNC rivalry may have started on Tobacco Road, but it’s not ending there. From college courts to the NBA Summer League, the battle continues — and for now, it’s Cooper Flagg and the Blue Devils who are winning.
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