Flagg post-game interview: Powell is a behavioral mentor for young people, and enjoying the game is the true meaning

After the Dallas Mavericks narrowly defeated the Indiana Pacers 107-105 at home, rookie Flagg stood on the sidelines for an interview. He contributed 15 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists, but he turned his praise to veteran Dwight Powell on the bench.

"The most important thing about Powell is not what he said, but more about his actions," Flagg said frankly. In this game where the thick-eyebrow brother retired from injury after playing only 6 minutes, Powell played 29 minutes as a substitute and scored 18 points and 6 rebounds, becoming a key contributor to the team's reversal.

Action leader, Powell's professional model

In today's NBA locker room filled with various voices, Powell chose an older leadership method - leading by example.

Flag described the veteran's professional attitude in detail in the interview: "He spends time in the weight room every day, always arrives early for training, and always practices extra shooting. He sets an example and demonstrates to young players the correct way to do things."

In this game, Powell's performance perfectly explained his value. In 29 minutes of playing time, he efficiently contributed 18 points and 6 rebounds, becoming an important pillar of the team's inside line. Especially at critical moments of the game, his stable performance created more space for young players.

"This is Powell, a true professional," Flagg concluded. "He behaves decently, does the right things, and is a great teammate whether he is entrusted with important tasks or not."

Enjoy the game, Flagg's basketball philosophy

There was an interesting episode in the game-Flagg made a "you are too small" celebratory gesture to McClung. Talking about this moment, the rookie showed another side of his understanding of the game.

"I think this is just for fun," Flagg explained with a smile, "I want to carry this mentality throughout. The senior players on the team always talk about this, especially Klay, it is to play with joy, and I just try to enjoy every moment of the game."

This relaxed mentality may be the reason why Flagg can quickly adapt to the rhythm of the NBA. As a rookie, he has shown outstanding performance many times this season. In this game, he scored 15 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists.

With the team's core Anthony Davis exiting the game early due to injury, Flagg's performance is particularly valuable. His positive attitude and comprehensive skills provide important support for the Mavericks' forward line.

Fans' love, Flagg's source of motivation

In the interview, Flagg also mentioned a special moment - Mavericks fans chanted his name during the national anthem.

"I was surprised when I first heard it. I didn't even realize what was happening, but it felt pretty cool," Flagg said frankly. "The fans have always been great to us."

For a rookie, such enthusiastic support from the home fans is undoubtedly an affirmation of his performance. Flagg also clearly understands that this support needs to be repaid with his own performance.

"We have to continue to perform in a way that excites them and makes them cheer," he promised.

In this game, Mavericks fans do have reason to cheer for the team. Trailing by up to 14 points, the team showed tenacity and resilience and finally completed the comeback and won their second victory of the season.

Team culture, the Mavericks’ hidden wealth

From Flagg’s interview, we can get a glimpse of the team culture the Mavericks are building—veterans lead by example, rookies learn with humility, and the whole team enjoys the game.

Powell represents a calm professionalism, while Klay Thompson brings a relaxed and happy locker room atmosphere. The fusion of these two temperaments creates a team environment that is both rigorous and lively.

Flagg happens to benefit from this culture. As a rookie, he was able to learn from Powell the attitude a professional player should have, while also maintaining his love and enjoyment of the game under the influence of Clay.

The direct manifestation of this culture on the court is the team's resilience in the face of adversity. In this game, the Mavericks were able to stabilize their position even though their core players retired early due to injuries and were once behind by double digits, and finally achieved a reversal.

When Flagg ended the interview and walked to the tunnel, Powell was waiting for him there. The two high-fived each other, and the inheritance between veteran and rookie seemed so natural at this moment.

"He explains everything with hard work," Flagg's evaluation of Powell may also be his expectations for his future. In the Mavericks, a team that combines experience and vitality, the rookie is taking the most professional path with a happy attitude.

From the cheers of fans to the recognition of teammates, Flagg's NBA start was perfect. But more importantly, he found a way to balance a professional attitude with enjoyment of the game - and this is often the starting point for a player to achieve greatness.