Another game, another jaw-dropping performance from Cooper Flagg. This Tuesday night, the Duke University men’s basketball team took on Pittsburgh. As expected, Duke was dominant from the beginning and concluded the game with a staggering 76-47 victory. Flagg turned out to be the leader with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. However, it wasn’t just his stats that had social media buzzing.

Instead, it was his electrifying dunk in the second half that had fans on their feet.

After picking up two fouls early in the first half, he was forced to sit out, logging only five points before the break. However, he came back in the second half with a vengeance, putting up 14 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.

“I was angry after that third foul,” Flagg admitted after the game. “I knew I had to do something to help my team.” And did he ever. His first dunk after the foul came when he stole the ball near the baseline and went coast-to-coast for a thunderous slam. His teammate, Tyrese Proctor, couldn’t help but gush: “That’s the best in-game dunk I’ve ever seen. It might be one of the best dunks, period.”

Flagg’s coach, Jon Scheyer, had nothing but praise for the 17-year-old. “It’s rare for a player at his age to carry the weight of a team like he does. He’s only 17, and he’s already the focal point of every team’s game plan.” Flagg’s impact on the floor is undeniable. However, his performance wasn’t all appreciated by a few, who seemed to be hawkeyed.

Fans debate controversial dunk by Cooper Flagg amid Duke’s victory

Some fans took to social media to call foul, labeling his performance as “rigged.” Critics pointed out a potential traveling violation and a double dribble on Flagg’s dunk play. One spectator remarked, “Ummm…nice dunk…but…where’s the traveling call? He dribbled, picked up the ball, and started dribbling again.”

Despite the online criticism, Flagg remains focused on his game. “It’s all part of the game,” he said, brushing off the negativity. “I just have to keep doing what I do best.” As a top prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft, Flagg’s all-around play continues to impress scouts and fans alike. His performance against Pittsburgh helped extend Duke’s win streak, but even his best plays aren’t immune to scrutiny.

Another fan shared similar sentiments, writing, “Amazing dunk, he did double dribble at the beginning.”

Flagg, interestingly, has been no stranger to fouls. He picked three in today’s game itself. But the fans are convinced of officiating biasness for Duke. The criticism continued with some accusing the referees of favoring the program. One user on X pointed out, “Nice double dribble. Of course, the refs would never call that on Duke.”

“What a double dribble. Is this the NBA?” added another user.

Flagg has been compared to former NBA star Andrei Kirilenko due to his well-rounded game and ability to make an impact in various areas. His ability to perform under pressure continues to solidify his status as one of the best young players in the country, despite the criticism that follows his every move.

With only one season at Duke before entering the NBA Draft, Flagg’s time in Durham is short, but he’s already shown he has what it takes to make a lasting impact. As the Blue Devils prepare for their next game against Notre Dame, fans can expect more highlight-reel plays from Flagg. If history is any indication, his performances will continue to keep everyone talking—both for the right and wrong reasons.