Indiana Pacers guard Aaron Nesmith is public enemy No. 1 in the NBA community this weekend due to his hard foul on Dallas Mavericks star Cooper Flagg.
With one minute remaining in the first half and the Mavericks leading 73-40, Nesmith sprinted down the court to prevent Flagg from throwing down a breakaway dunk. His foul was violent enough that it sent Flagg crashing down on his left shoulder. The former No. 1 pick from Duke was in immediate pain once he hit the hardwood.
Unfortunately, Flagg didn’t return for the second half of Friday’s game. Prior to suffering this injury, he had 14 points, five rebounds and six assists for the Mavericks.
“Look, Nesmith is a great guy, a heck of a player. I’ve known him since he was in high school,” Mavericks coach Dusty May said. “Obviously, an unfortunate play. Hopefully, Coop’s fine.”
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images.
Immediately after this foul occurred during the Mavericks-Pacers game, NBA fans urged the league to discipline Nesmith for his “reckless” behavior on the court.
“The NBA genuinely needs to investigate the Pacers for this foul,” one fan said. “Down 33 right before halftime, wide open dunk by the Mavericks superstar player. There’s literally no reason for Nesmith to even attempt a play and Flagg ends up injured. Silver can’t let him get away with this.”
“He should be suspended. Unbelievably dirty play, not a play on the ball, most dangerous play you can make is when a guy is airborne on a fast break like that. Get him out of here,” another fan declared.
“Aaron Nesmith needs to be suspended if this turns into an injury for Cooper Flagg because that was a disgusting play – you don’t make this kind of play even in the playoffs. Down 33 points at half and you injure the other team’s best player? NBA gotta punish this,” another person commented.
What’s the latest on Cooper Flagg?
The Mavericks announced Saturday that Flagg’s MRI results showed a mild left shoulder sprain.
“Flagg will be listed as out for tonight’s game against San Antonio and will be re-evaluated next week,” the Mavericks added. “Further updates will be provided as appropriate.”
Hopefully, this injury doesn’t keep Flagg away from the hardwood for long. In the meantime, the Mavericks will need Kyrie Irving, Max Christie and PJ Washington to lead their offense.
