Former Duke Blue Devils Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving are beginning to thrive as a duo. Not only have the Dallas Mavericks gotten off to a 4-2 start, they've won three games in a row, including a victory Friday night against the Houston Rockets, one of two teams to begin the 2026-27 campaign 5-0.

Flagg and Irving were both phenomenal, as the previous No. 1 overall picks combined to score 68 points. Beginning with Flagg, last year's Rookie of the Year Award winner, he finished with 33 points, nine rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block. However, on this occasion, it was Irving getting the better of his teammate, finishing with a team-high 35 points while also tallying four rebounds and nine assists.

The third Duke alum on the Mavericks, Dereck Lively II, has yet to debut this year (foot injury) but, according to head coach Dusty May, is "making major progress."

Flagg, Irving and the Mavericks will return to action Monday against the Sacramento Kings.