Cooper Flagg called for the Dallas Mavericks to stay united after their losing run stretched to four games, with the return of Anthony Davis not enough to inspire them to victory against the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Sixers ran out 123-108 victors at American Airlines Center on Thursday, with Tyrese Maxey scoring 34 points and Joel Embiid adding 22. 

The Mavs' latest loss dropped them to 12-23 for the season and came despite 10-time All-Star Davis returning from an adductor injury to put up 13 points and eight rebounds.

Flagg scored 12 points for Dallas, who were led by Max Christie's 18 points. 

That 12-point haul is the lowest last year's number one draft pick has managed in a game since November, having put up at least 20 points in seven of his previous nine.  

The Mavs have now lost six of their last seven games following a stretch of six wins in eight outings, but Flagg does not believe they are far away from returning to that level.

"I think we just have to stay together," Flagg said. 

"We have to come together and buy into our principles and get back to playing both sides of the ball at a really high level, and we'll be okay."

Final.@Chime // #MFFL pic.twitter.com/iSY1xX8nGZ

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) January 2, 2026

Flagg failed to make either of his two 3-point attempts while shooting five-of-15 from the free-throw line, and Dallas coach Jason Kidd stressed that the busy festive schedule had taken its toll on the rookie.

"I think he's playing extremely well," Kidd said. "He's probably a little tired, he's played a lot of minutes. 

"This is the most minutes he's played in his career. I thought he found open team-mates tonight. We just didn't knock the shots down."

Returning to Texas, former Baylor guard V.J. Edgecombe scored 23 points for Philadelphia, leaving Flagg to heap praise upon his fellow rookie. 

"I've got a lot of love for V.J. We have competed at a really high level against each other for three years now," Flagg said.

"There's a lot of love and respect there. He's a competitor and a winner at the highest level. I have a lot of respect for V.J. and what he's been able to do this year."

Dallas make the short trip to Houston to face the Rockets in their next game on Saturday, while the 18-14 Sixers go to the New York Knicks on the same day.