Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks are off to a bad start to the NBA season. They have been hampered by injuries and inconsistency, dropping a game to the Zion Williamson-less New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday. Flagg even dropped a blunt reaction to the Mavs' 101-99 loss at home.Speaking to reporters after the game, Flagg was asked about the team's sixth defeat of the season. It was also their fourth loss at American Airlines Center already, so there was disappointment all around the building.For the No. 1 pick, it's the first time he has experienced this amount of losses in his career from elementary school to college."For me, it's the most I've lost since, I think ever," Flagg said, according to Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News. "It's obviously a lot different when you have to adapt to playing a lot more games. ... I wouldn't say anybody's happy. Obviously, guys are trying to stay level-headed and know we have a lot more games to go, and it's still really early. Speaking personally, I know it's not fun to just keep losing games."Cooper Flagg finished with 20 points, nine rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks. He had a chance to send the game to overtime, but he missed a wide-open floating jump shot with four seconds left.The New Orleans Pelicans recovered the rebound and threw the ball to the other side of the court, preventing the Dallas Mavericks from fouling. The Pelicans, who were "wingless" without Zion Williamson, Jordan Poole and Dejounte Murray, improved to 2-6, having the same record as the Mavs.Not many predicted the struggles of the Mavericks, but they have been unable to live up to the offseason hype. Anthony Davis is injured already, and so is Dereck Lively II. Klay Thompson is struggling with his shot, while Kyrie Irving is far from making his comeback.Jason Kidd finally gives D'Angelo Russell start at point guard over Cooper FlaggJason Kidd finally gives D'Angelo Russell start at point guard over Cooper Flagg. (Photo: IMAGN)After starting Cooper Flagg at point guard for the first seven games of the season, coach Jason Kidd changed course against the New Orleans Pelicans. Kidd took out the struggling Klay Thompson and put him on the bench. He was replaced by D'Angelo Russell, who started at point guard.Flagg played in his natural position at small forward and looked better. He still shot poorly at under 50.0%, but his presence was felt defensively. It will be interesting to see if Kidd continues to play Russell at point guard and let Flagg be at small forward moving forward.