“Like Luka and Brunson”: Mavericks Rookie Duo Compared to Franchise Legends After Masterclass

The Dallas Mavericks won the Denver Nuggets 131-121 on Monday, their first consecutive win of the season. Key to the win were rookies Cooper Flagg and Ryan Nembhard, who combined for 52 points, leading fans to compare them to franchise legends Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson.

One fan on X tweeted.

“Like Luka and Brunson.”

Smart Punk

@onlymessihasmor

Like Luka and Brunson

What other fans on X had to say.

Mavs Neighborhood Watch

@Maverickswatch

They remind me of Luka and Brunson. It’s like God gave us a do over. Hopefully our dumbass owners don’t screw this one up.

whirlybullsnake

@whirlybullsnake

This looks like it's from a made for tv movie about Luka and Brunson

J Pry the Sports Guy🏀

@JPryTheGuy

Sooo… can we not screw it up this time?

More fans shared their thoughts.

TGK

@TheGarciaKidd_

Dallas PLEASE dont fumble these 2. This kind of pair and youth doesnt always happen like this.

#SourcesTrustMe

@Z_Mavs

We lost one the first time We lost both the second time (Hopefully) We lose none the third time

Jalen Brunson and Luka Doncic were both on the books of the Mavericks as they were drafted together in 2018. They were expected to form the future but that never happened as they left, with Brunson leaving as a free agent after the 2021-22 season. He joined the New York Knicks after he and Dallas failed to agree on new terms.

Luka Doncic, on the other hand, joined the LA Lakers in a blockbuster trade last February. He has gone on to average 30.8 points, 8.4 rebounds and 8.0 assists in 44 games played.

Flagg joined the Mavericks as the first pick in the 2025 NBA draft and has struck a good partnership with Nembhard. The former Gonzaga star went undrafted and joined Dallas on a two-way contract.

Nembhard recorded 28 points, three rebounds and 10 assists in the Nuggets’ win. Flagg finished with 24 points, eight and two assists. Fans of the Mavs will hope that the partnership stays longer than the previous duo of Brunson and Doncic.

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Anthony Davis praises Mavericks rookie Ryan Nembhard after Nuggets win

Anthony Davis praised Mavericks rookie Ryan Nembhard for his efforts in the win over the Nuggets.

“Ryan Nembhard, man. He carried us,” Davis said post-game. “Making big shots, big plays, making the right reads to the right guys, passes on the button to our shooters. He definitely got the game ball tonight.”

Nembhard made history against the Nuggets. He joined Stephon Marbury and Michael Finley as the only rookies in league history with 25+ points, 10+ assists and zero turnovers in a single game since 1977-78, which was the first season turnovers were fully recorded.

Davis, on the other hand, led all scorers with 32 points, alongside 13 rebounds and four assists. Next for Dallas is a home game against the Miami Heat on Wednesday.