Maine native Cooper Flagg will play at TD Garden for his first time as a pro when his Dallas Mavericks visit the Boston Celtics on Friday. Not only will it be an opportunity for Flagg to play against his childhood team, but he’ll (most likely) face off against someone he’s spent years looking up to in Jayson Tatum.
Tatum, of course, is expected to make his season debut against Dallas, after missing the first 62 games recovering from a torn Achilles tendon. The star forward’s potential return is exciting for Celtics fans everywhere, but is special for Flagg in a different way.
“He was one of the guys I grew up watching,” Flagg said following Dallas’ 115-114 loss to the Orlando Magic on Thursday. “I kind of modeled my game after. Watched him at Duke. It’s special. His whole recovery has been incredible. And just how hard he’s worked. You have to give him so much credit for being so driven and a worker. To come back so soon, it’s incredible.”
Once Tatum went down in Game 4 of Boston’s second-round series vs. the New York Knicks, many assumed he’d miss the entire 2025-26 season. His return started to feel more and more real as the season went on and he continued to progress in his rehab.
"It’s a great opportunity,” Flagg added. “I think it’s gonna be a really fun game. He’s somebody I’ve always looked up to. And I’m excited to face off and compete against him for sure.”
Flagg looks forward to playing in front of friends and family
The 19-year-old New Englander got to face off against Boston for the first time last month down in Dallas. The Celtics took care of business and got the win, but Flagg’s effort was nothing to sneeze at. He tallied 36 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and two blocks.
Flagg returned to the Mavs’ lineup Thursday in Orlando after missing eight straight games with a midfoot sprain. Judging by his comments, the back-to-back won’t be stopping him from lacing ‘em up at North Station.
Though it won’t be his first time taking the floor against the Cs, Friday night is going to be special for Flagg, his family, and the state of Maine.
“I’m excited,” Flagg shared. “I know there’s going to be a lot of people showing up from Maine & showing support. I’m really excited just to be up there for the first time & play in that arena. It’s the only arena I went to as a little kid. I’m really excited to get an opportunity and I’m just blessed.”