Cooper Flagg has been an absolute force, playing with some serious fire in the Dallas Mavericks’ last two wins. But it turns out the team’s secret weapon for keeping the second-year star from going “hangry” has been right there on the bench: a good old-fashioned peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Flagg was spotted late in both Friday’s 112-100 win over the Utah Jazz and Sunday’s 130-93 blowout against the Brooklyn Nets, munching away as the clock wound down.
Flagg’s Fuel: More Than Just a Snack
After Sunday’s dominant performance, Flagg didn’t shy away from questions about his “second straight in-game PB&J,” giving an enthusiastic nod. He was quick to credit the support staff, saying, “Listen, I want to give a shoutout to our strength staff, our medical staff. They’re the best in the business. I’m trying to put on some weight, keep gaining muscle, so there are some requirements I’ve got to meet, so I’m just trying to stay ahead of it.” It’s not just about today either, with another game coming up fast, he’s “just trying to get my calories, stay ahead of it and be ready for another one tomorrow.” And for those wondering about the specifics, Flagg confirmed the jelly is grape flavored, and the peanut butter is the smooth kind. No chunky business here, because, come on, he’s not a savage.
The Science Behind the Sandwich
This isn’t just a quirky habit, folks, there’s some real science backing Flagg’s mid-game refueling. An NBA player can burn anywhere from 900 to 1,800 calories during a single game, depending on their weight, minutes, and how much they’re moving. At 6’10” and 228lbs, Flagg definitely falls into that heavier player category, burning toward the higher end of that range. Sports dietitians often advise full-time athletes of his size to consume anywhere from 4,000 to over 7,000 calories every single day. One peanut butter and jelly sandwich on white bread can pack a punch, delivering a solid 350 to 500 calories. Flagg was listed at 205lbs when he entered his rookie season, and now he’s tipping the scales at 228lbs. That’s a massive 23-pound gain in muscle since his debut, and you know a whole lot of those grape jelly, smooth peanut butter sandwiches played a role along the way.
It’s clear Flagg is dialed in, taking his nutrition as seriously as his game. With a quick turnaround for Monday’s matchup, you can bet that PB&J is going to be crucial to keeping him at the top of his game.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Mavs Moneyball.
Leave a Reply