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[Saba Sports News] Even NBA players were shocked by the Dallas Mavericks’ improbable luck in the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery.
With just a 1.8% chance, the Mavericks defied the odds on Monday to win the No. 1 overall pick — securing the right to draft Duke sensation Cooper Flagg. The 18-year-old is widely considered a franchise-altering talent and a lock for the top selection in next month’s draft.
The stunning result came just months after Dallas traded away longtime cornerstone Luka Doncic, prompting mixed reactions across the league. Some viewed the win as cosmic payback for losing Doncic, while others cried foul, suggesting the NBA lottery might be rigged.
NBA stars were quick to react. LeBron James and others took to social media to express their disbelief. Even Utah Jazz minority owner Dwyane Wade, whose team had the best odds but slid to fifth, joined the conversation.
Texas native and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes celebrated like a lifelong Mavs fan.
Dallas’ lottery win felt straight out of a movie — and even the league’s top players couldn’t believe how the ping pong balls bounced.