Cooper Flagg flashed versatility for Dallas in a 120-116 preseason loss to Charlotte, mixing playmaking with scoring in his AAC debut as the Mavs test new offense. Dereck Lively II finished inside with 10 points and six boards while Dallas battled rebound gaps that fed 20 second-chance points for the Hornets. Injuries trimmed minutes for Exum; Spencer Dinwiddie provided veteran leadership for Charlotte, and veterans from both sides, including former Mavericks, added intrigue as Dallas weighs rotation options for the regular season.