“It’s really special just for me to have this experience tonight”- Cooper Flagg shares a fanboy moment with his idol Jayson Tatum

The NBA world witnessed one of the most anticipated comebacks of the ongoing season with the Boston Celtics’ star, Jayson Tatum. The Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks with an overall score of 120-100 at TD Garden in Boston.

Mavericks’ rookie Cooper Flagg played his first game in Boston against his favorite NBA team. Not many people know that Cooper Flagg is a huge fan of Jayson Tatum. According to the small-town kid from Maine, he closely followed Tatum as a child, dreaming of becoming an NBA star someday. Flagg revealed being quite excited to play against his idol and mentor and even shared an adorable fan moment with the Celtics’ cornerstone.

Dallas Mavericks' rookie Cooper Flagg reveals his true feelings for his idol and mentor Jayson Tatum

The Dallas Mavericks’ popular rookie Cooper Flagg turned heads with his athletic prowess after his NBA debut this season. Despite being one of the most talented rookies of the 2025-26 NBA season, Flagg’s inspiration was derived from Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum. During a recent game, the Celtics defeated the Mavericks 120-100 at TD Garden in Boston. Despite losing the game, Flagg was more excited about facing his idol and mentor, Tatum, in the opposition.

Not many people know, but the 19-year-old has modeled his game after the Celtics’ icon. During a post-game press conference, Cooper Flagg revealed his true feelings for Jayson Tatum. He said, “It’s incredible. There are so many levels to it. (Tatum) is someone I idolized growing up. Watched him go through levels and ranks. Watched him at Duke. Kind of followed in his footsteps. … It’s really special just for me to have this experience tonight.”

After the game, Flagg even exchanged a hug with Tatum near midcourt. He further continued, “He just told me to keep going. He’s been a mentor for me through my journey from Duke to now. Someone I’ve been able to talk to and get advice from. I told him the same. I told him it’s incredible what he’s able to do and how quickly he was able to come back.”After taking a backseat for 10 months due to a torn Achilles tendon, Jayson Tatum was greeted like a hero at the TD Garden in Boston. Reportedly, after a slow start, he found a rhythm just before halftime with 15 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists. Cooper Flagg ended with 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists while competing against his idol, Jayson Tatum.