Cooper Flagg Explains In-Game PB&J Snack Following 130-93 Win Over Nets

Cooper Flagg recorded 25 points and 12 assists against Brooklyn while consuming a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on the bench.

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg recorded 25 points, a career-high 12 assists, and five rebounds during a 130-93 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday. During the fourth quarter, television cameras captured Flagg eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on the bench after he was subbed out of the game. This followed a Friday performance where he tallied 21 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and three steals in a 112-100 win against the Utah Jazz while also consuming the snack.

According to ESPN, Flagg uses the mid-game meal to meet caloric requirements set by the Mavericks' medical and strength staff to gain muscle and maintain weight. The second-year player specified a preference for smooth peanut butter and grape jelly. While he also enjoys combinations featuring banana and honey, teammate Daniel Gafford expressed skepticism regarding the peanut butter and banana pairing during a postgame press conference.

On Monday, Flagg scored 43 points to go along with 10 rebounds and six assists in a 125-122 win over the Indiana Pacers. Although he did not eat a sandwich during that specific contest, he noted afterward that he intended to have one. Former Mavericks guard Derek Harper and analyst Dirk Nowitzki both commented on the broadcast regarding the benefits of the sugar intake provided by the meal. The tradition of NBA players eating PB&Js dates back to Kevin Garnett and the 2007 Boston Celtics, though Flagg is noted for consuming his during active game time rather than pregame.