Dallas Mavericks star Cooper Flagg had to sit out for the entire second half of the game as he suffered a shoulder injury due to Aaron Nesmith's reckless foul on him towards the end of the second quarter.
Flagg was leading a fast break and on his way to score an easy basket. Nesmith followed Flagg and tried to get the block but, in the process, the Mavs star awkwardly landed on the floor, which led to an injury.
A scuffle broke out as the Mavericks players were angered by what Nesmith had done on the play. The score was 73-40 with less than a minute to play in the second quarter. It seemed like the Pacers guard fouled in frustration as Flagg was dominating the game, scoring 14 points but also stuffing the stat sheet with 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals.
He had a team high +/- of 34, which indicated how effective Flagg was on the night, but after falling awkwardly, he was unable to return to the game.
Nesmith was punished with a Flagrant 1 foul and also given a technical for indulging in a scuffle with the Mavericks players. Naji Marshall was also handed a technical as he came in heated, trying to retaliate against Nesmith. The two had to be separated, which further increased the intensity of the game.
After the first half, it was reported that Flagg had suffered an injury to his left shoulder.
Despite the injury to their star, the Mavs took home a 121-105 win in Tyrese Haliburton's return to Indiana.
While Mavericks fans were happy to grab their first win of the season, they wanted major repercussions for Nesmith as he caused the injury to Flagg.
"Nesmith needs a 25-game suspension after that b*******," said one fan. While another added: "This dude is way too wild I loved his game and knew he'd be a decent player but he's way too crazy."
Someone also wrote: "This is such a dangerous and dirty play."
Another fan opined: "This should mean multiple games of suspension for Nesmith. What a cowardly c***, could have really f***** Flagg up."
"There's absolutely no need to make that foul when you're down 30+," added an account user on X.
Nesmith will have to pay a small amount for the technical foul he was assessed, along with Marshall. However, the league has not confirmed whether he would be further suspended for the play or would be fined. If Nesmith was assessed a Flagrant 2, he would have to immediately leave the game, but even then he would not be suspended as per NBA's rules.
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