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Deadspin | Cooper Flagg’s growth encourages Mavericks ahead of Heat matchup

Deadspin | Cooper Flagg’s growth encourages Mavericks ahead of Heat matchup

Dec 1, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) controls the ball against Denver Nuggets guard Peyton Watson (8) and center Nikola Jokic (15) as guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) defends in the fourth quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The Dallas Mavericks take aim at their first three-game winning streak of the season on Wednesday night when they host the Miami Heat.

Dallas lost 15 of its first 20 games before notching back-to-back victories over the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets to complete a 2-2 road trip.

The Mavericks defeated the Clippers 114-110 on Saturday behind rookie Cooper Flagg’s season-high 35 points. Dallas followed up two nights later with a 131-121 win over the Nuggets with Anthony Davis recording a season-best 32 points and matching his season high of 13 rebounds.

Flagg said the Mavericks weren’t going to get overly giddy about two straight victories.

“We haven’t gotten too low off some of these losses, and we’re not getting too high off a couple of wins,” Flagg said. “Just stay consistent and just continue to build off what we had these last two games.

“If we can stay consistent with our approach and the way we’ve been coming out each and every day, I think we’ll be OK.”

Flagg, the top pick in the 2025 draft, was named Western Conference Rookie of the Month for October/November. He is averaging 17.0 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists.

Flagg, who turns 19 on Dec. 21, has impressed Davis in their short time as teammates.

“He’s going to continue to be aggressive,” Davis said. “Him getting downhill, getting to his midrange and getting to the basket, he’s unstoppable.

“We told him to play to his strengths and when a three presents itself, shoot it. He still has a long ways to go, and that’s scary.”

The Mavericks also received a stellar effort from undrafted rookie free agent Ryan Nembhard against the Nuggets. The point guard had 28 points on 12-of-14 shooting, including 4-of-5 from 3-point range, and recorded 10 assists without a single turnover.

“A blessing to be with this group of guys — a great group that we have here,” Nembhard said. “I just put in my work every day and stay consistent with that, and when you do that, good things will happen.”

Miami has won seven of its past eight games, and one of the victories came against the Mavericks on Nov. 24.

Tyler Herro made his season debut and scored 24 points on 12-of-18 shooting to fuel that 106-102 home win over Dallas.

Herro has played in four games and scored more than 20 points in each one.

The Heat had a lot of standout performers in Monday’s 140-123 home win over the Clippers. Miami tied a franchise record with 24 made 3-pointers.

Norman Powell had six 3-pointers while scoring 30 points, Bam Adebayo made five to go with 27 points and 14 rebounds, Herro hit four while scoring 22 points, Andrew Wiggins made two while recording 22 points, nine rebounds and three blocks and Davion Mitchell was 4-for-4 from behind the arc while contributing 16 points and 12 assists.

“When everybody’s scoring, it opens the floor for everybody,” Wiggins said. “Everyone’s in a good rhythm, the ball is moving, and everyone has space to do their thing.”

Mitchell is averaging a career-high 7.8 assists while scoring 10 points per game and speeding up the Miami attack.

“When Davion gets the ball up and he gets up the court, it literally might be three dribbles,” Adebayo said. “That puts defenses on their heels, because he can get downhill. He’ll shoot a quick layup and people got to respect that. Then, when defenses collapse, it just makes it easier. Stop on two feet and hit the open person.”

Powell (ankle) is listed as questionable for the matchup. Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington of the Mavericks are both questionable with ankle injuries.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Cooper #Flaggs #growth #encourages #Mavericks #ahead #Heat #matchup

On Thursday night, Mexico became the first team to clinch a spot in the knockout round at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

On Saturday, there is a chance for a team in Group E to join them.

Entering Saturday’s two group stage matches, both Germany and the Ivory Coast have a chance to book a spot in the Round of 32. And, as the scheduling gods would have it, those two sides will meet in Toronto Saturday afternoon.

Here are the clinching scenarios for Group E.

Update: Deniz Undav’s goal in stoppage time for Germany broke a 1-1 tie against the Ivory Coast, and booked a spot in the Round of 32 with Germany’s 2-1 win. Germany will win Group E if Ecuador draws or loses to Curaçao later tonight.

Update (Saturday night): With the draw between Ecuador and Curaçao, Germany has won Group E. Ivory Coast, Ecuador, and Curaçao can all still advance.

What are the Group E standings?

Here are the current standings in Group E after Ivory Coast-Germany:

Team

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

Points

Germany20092+76
Ivory Coast1012203
Ecuador01101-11
Curaçao01117-61

What are the next Group E matches?

Four matches remain in Group E, starting with a pair on Saturday, June 20. All times listed are Eastern.

Germany 2, Ivory Coast 1
Ecuador 0, Curaçao 0

Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast, 4:00 p.m.
Ecuador vs. Germany, 4:00 p.m.

What are the current scenarios for Group E?

Here is what you need to know entering the matches on Saturday, June 20, starting with the tilt between Germany and the Ivory Coast.

Germany can book a spot in the Round of 32 with a win, and could win the group with a win and some help. If Germany beats the Ivory Coast, they will book a spot in the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams in the group.

However, if they win, they will clinch the group if Ecuador draws or loses to Curaçao. More on this when we discuss the tiebreaker scenarios. The winner of Group E will play a third-place team from Groups A, B, C, D or F in the Round of 32.

The Ivory Coast has a similar path to winning the group on Saturday. If they win on Saturday, they are into the Round of 32 as they are guaranteed to finish in the top two of the group. If they beat Germany, then they will clinch Group E and take on a third-place team from Groups A, B, C, D or F provided Curaçao does not beat Ecuador.

On the other side of the coin, Curaçao can be eliminated on Saturday with a loss to Ecuador, and an Ivory Coast win or draw against Germany.

Ecuador also faces elimination on Saturday. If they lose to Curaçao, and Germany wins or draws against the Ivory Coast, then Ecuador is eliminated.

Now we get to the tiebreaker scenarios that come into play with Group E, starting on Saturday, June 20.

Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.

In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.

If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.

If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.

That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.

That brings us to the scenarios entering play on June 20, and we will use Germany as the first example. As noted above, Germany clinches Group E with a win against the Ivory Coast, provided Ecuador does not beat Curaçao. With a win against the Ivory Coast, Germany would move to six points in Group E play.

But if Ecuador beats Curaçao, they would have three points, and since Germany and Ecuador play in the final match of Group E play, under these tiebreakers Ecuador could still win the group. In this scenario, if Ecuador goes on to beat Germany, both teams would have six points in group play, but Ecuador would have the “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned,” and would win the group. But if Ecuador loses or ties against Curaçao, then this tiebreaker cannot come into play.

This is also why the Ivory Coast needs a win, plus a Curaçao loss or tie, to clinch Group E.

#World #Cup #Germany #clinched #Group #scenarios #remain">World Cup 2026: How Germany clinched Group E and what scenarios remain  On Thursday night, Mexico became the first team to clinch a spot in the knockout round at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.On Saturday, there is a chance for a team in Group E to join them.Entering Saturday’s two group stage matches, both Germany and the Ivory Coast have a chance to book a spot in the Round of 32. And, as the scheduling gods would have it, those two sides will meet in Toronto Saturday afternoon.Here are the clinching scenarios for Group E.Update: Deniz Undav’s goal in stoppage time for Germany broke a 1-1 tie against the Ivory Coast, and booked a spot in the Round of 32 with Germany’s 2-1 win. Germany will win Group E if Ecuador draws or loses to Curaçao later tonight.Update (Saturday night): With the draw between Ecuador and Curaçao, Germany has won Group E. Ivory Coast, Ecuador, and Curaçao can all still advance.What are the Group E standings?Here are the current standings in Group E after Ivory Coast-Germany:TeamWDLGFGAGDPointsGermany20092+76Ivory Coast1012203Ecuador01101-11Curaçao01117-61What are the next Group E matches?Four matches remain in Group E, starting with a pair on Saturday, June 20. All times listed are Eastern.Germany 2, Ivory Coast 1Ecuador 0, Curaçao 0Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast, 4:00 p.m.Ecuador vs. Germany, 4:00 p.m.What are the current scenarios for Group E?Here is what you need to know entering the matches on Saturday, June 20, starting with the tilt between Germany and the Ivory Coast.Germany can book a spot in the Round of 32 with a win, and could win the group with a win and some help. If Germany beats the Ivory Coast, they will book a spot in the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams in the group.However, if they win, they will clinch the group if Ecuador draws or loses to Curaçao. More on this when we discuss the tiebreaker scenarios. The winner of Group E will play a third-place team from Groups A, B, C, D or F in the Round of 32.The Ivory Coast has a similar path to winning the group on Saturday. If they win on Saturday, they are into the Round of 32 as they are guaranteed to finish in the top two of the group. If they beat Germany, then they will clinch Group E and take on a third-place team from Groups A, B, C, D or F provided Curaçao does not beat Ecuador.On the other side of the coin, Curaçao can be eliminated on Saturday with a loss to Ecuador, and an Ivory Coast win or draw against Germany.Ecuador also faces elimination on Saturday. If they lose to Curaçao, and Germany wins or draws against the Ivory Coast, then Ecuador is eliminated.Now we get to the tiebreaker scenarios that come into play with Group E, starting on Saturday, June 20.Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.That brings us to the scenarios entering play on June 20, and we will use Germany as the first example. As noted above, Germany clinches Group E with a win against the Ivory Coast, provided Ecuador does not beat Curaçao. With a win against the Ivory Coast, Germany would move to six points in Group E play.But if Ecuador beats Curaçao, they would have three points, and since Germany and Ecuador play in the final match of Group E play, under these tiebreakers Ecuador could still win the group. In this scenario, if Ecuador goes on to beat Germany, both teams would have six points in group play, but Ecuador would have the “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned,” and would win the group. But if Ecuador loses or ties against Curaçao, then this tiebreaker cannot come into play.This is also why the Ivory Coast needs a win, plus a Curaçao loss or tie, to clinch Group E.  #World #Cup #Germany #clinched #Group #scenarios #remain

first team to clinch a spot in the knockout round at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

On Saturday, there is a chance for a team in Group E to join them.

Entering Saturday’s two group stage matches, both Germany and the Ivory Coast have a chance to book a spot in the Round of 32. And, as the scheduling gods would have it, those two sides will meet in Toronto Saturday afternoon.

Here are the clinching scenarios for Group E.

Update: Deniz Undav’s goal in stoppage time for Germany broke a 1-1 tie against the Ivory Coast, and booked a spot in the Round of 32 with Germany’s 2-1 win. Germany will win Group E if Ecuador draws or loses to Curaçao later tonight.

Update (Saturday night): With the draw between Ecuador and Curaçao, Germany has won Group E. Ivory Coast, Ecuador, and Curaçao can all still advance.

What are the Group E standings?

Here are the current standings in Group E after Ivory Coast-Germany:

Team

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

Points

Germany20092+76
Ivory Coast1012203
Ecuador01101-11
Curaçao01117-61

What are the next Group E matches?

Four matches remain in Group E, starting with a pair on Saturday, June 20. All times listed are Eastern.

Germany 2, Ivory Coast 1
Ecuador 0, Curaçao 0

Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast, 4:00 p.m.
Ecuador vs. Germany, 4:00 p.m.

What are the current scenarios for Group E?

Here is what you need to know entering the matches on Saturday, June 20, starting with the tilt between Germany and the Ivory Coast.

Germany can book a spot in the Round of 32 with a win, and could win the group with a win and some help. If Germany beats the Ivory Coast, they will book a spot in the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams in the group.

However, if they win, they will clinch the group if Ecuador draws or loses to Curaçao. More on this when we discuss the tiebreaker scenarios. The winner of Group E will play a third-place team from Groups A, B, C, D or F in the Round of 32.

The Ivory Coast has a similar path to winning the group on Saturday. If they win on Saturday, they are into the Round of 32 as they are guaranteed to finish in the top two of the group. If they beat Germany, then they will clinch Group E and take on a third-place team from Groups A, B, C, D or F provided Curaçao does not beat Ecuador.

On the other side of the coin, Curaçao can be eliminated on Saturday with a loss to Ecuador, and an Ivory Coast win or draw against Germany.

Ecuador also faces elimination on Saturday. If they lose to Curaçao, and Germany wins or draws against the Ivory Coast, then Ecuador is eliminated.

Now we get to the tiebreaker scenarios that come into play with Group E, starting on Saturday, June 20.

Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.

In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.

If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.

If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.

That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.

That brings us to the scenarios entering play on June 20, and we will use Germany as the first example. As noted above, Germany clinches Group E with a win against the Ivory Coast, provided Ecuador does not beat Curaçao. With a win against the Ivory Coast, Germany would move to six points in Group E play.

But if Ecuador beats Curaçao, they would have three points, and since Germany and Ecuador play in the final match of Group E play, under these tiebreakers Ecuador could still win the group. In this scenario, if Ecuador goes on to beat Germany, both teams would have six points in group play, but Ecuador would have the “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned,” and would win the group. But if Ecuador loses or ties against Curaçao, then this tiebreaker cannot come into play.

This is also why the Ivory Coast needs a win, plus a Curaçao loss or tie, to clinch Group E.

#World #Cup #Germany #clinched #Group #scenarios #remain">World Cup 2026: How Germany clinched Group E and what scenarios remain

On Thursday night, Mexico became the first team to clinch a spot in the knockout round at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

On Saturday, there is a chance for a team in Group E to join them.

Entering Saturday’s two group stage matches, both Germany and the Ivory Coast have a chance to book a spot in the Round of 32. And, as the scheduling gods would have it, those two sides will meet in Toronto Saturday afternoon.

Here are the clinching scenarios for Group E.

Update: Deniz Undav’s goal in stoppage time for Germany broke a 1-1 tie against the Ivory Coast, and booked a spot in the Round of 32 with Germany’s 2-1 win. Germany will win Group E if Ecuador draws or loses to Curaçao later tonight.

Update (Saturday night): With the draw between Ecuador and Curaçao, Germany has won Group E. Ivory Coast, Ecuador, and Curaçao can all still advance.

What are the Group E standings?

Here are the current standings in Group E after Ivory Coast-Germany:

Team

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

Points

Germany20092+76
Ivory Coast1012203
Ecuador01101-11
Curaçao01117-61

What are the next Group E matches?

Four matches remain in Group E, starting with a pair on Saturday, June 20. All times listed are Eastern.

Germany 2, Ivory Coast 1
Ecuador 0, Curaçao 0

Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast, 4:00 p.m.
Ecuador vs. Germany, 4:00 p.m.

What are the current scenarios for Group E?

Here is what you need to know entering the matches on Saturday, June 20, starting with the tilt between Germany and the Ivory Coast.

Germany can book a spot in the Round of 32 with a win, and could win the group with a win and some help. If Germany beats the Ivory Coast, they will book a spot in the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams in the group.

However, if they win, they will clinch the group if Ecuador draws or loses to Curaçao. More on this when we discuss the tiebreaker scenarios. The winner of Group E will play a third-place team from Groups A, B, C, D or F in the Round of 32.

The Ivory Coast has a similar path to winning the group on Saturday. If they win on Saturday, they are into the Round of 32 as they are guaranteed to finish in the top two of the group. If they beat Germany, then they will clinch Group E and take on a third-place team from Groups A, B, C, D or F provided Curaçao does not beat Ecuador.

On the other side of the coin, Curaçao can be eliminated on Saturday with a loss to Ecuador, and an Ivory Coast win or draw against Germany.

Ecuador also faces elimination on Saturday. If they lose to Curaçao, and Germany wins or draws against the Ivory Coast, then Ecuador is eliminated.

Now we get to the tiebreaker scenarios that come into play with Group E, starting on Saturday, June 20.

Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.

In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.

If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.

If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.

That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.

That brings us to the scenarios entering play on June 20, and we will use Germany as the first example. As noted above, Germany clinches Group E with a win against the Ivory Coast, provided Ecuador does not beat Curaçao. With a win against the Ivory Coast, Germany would move to six points in Group E play.

But if Ecuador beats Curaçao, they would have three points, and since Germany and Ecuador play in the final match of Group E play, under these tiebreakers Ecuador could still win the group. In this scenario, if Ecuador goes on to beat Germany, both teams would have six points in group play, but Ecuador would have the “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned,” and would win the group. But if Ecuador loses or ties against Curaçao, then this tiebreaker cannot come into play.

This is also why the Ivory Coast needs a win, plus a Curaçao loss or tie, to clinch Group E.

#World #Cup #Germany #clinched #Group #scenarios #remain

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