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The most recent instance occurred during Sunday’s 130-93 win over the Brooklyn Nets. With the game well in hand, Flagg retreated to the bench early in the fourth quarter, where he was observed enjoying the sandwich alongside teammate Daniel Gafford. This follows a similar scene during Friday’s 112-100 victory against the Utah Jazz, where the forward recorded 21 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and three steals.
Nutritional strategy and performance
When questioned about his unconventional mid-game fuel, Flagg credited the Mavericks' strength and medical staff for the strategy. He explained that the sandwiches are part of a deliberate effort to increase his caloric intake and support muscle growth. With a demanding schedule that included a game against the Indiana Pacers on Monday, Flagg noted that staying ahead of his nutritional requirements is essential for maintaining his energy levels.
Flagg’s preferences are specific, favoring smooth peanut butter paired with grape jelly. He also experiments with variations, including peanut butter and banana, sometimes incorporating honey. While his teammate Daniel Gafford expressed some skepticism regarding the banana-only combination, the practice has received a nod of approval from Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki. Nowitzki, currently an analyst for Amazon Prime, suggested that the quick sugar boost can be beneficial for players during the physical grind of an NBA contest.
A growing trend in the NBA
The consumption of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches has a storied history in the league, famously popularized by Kevin Garnett and the 2007 Boston Celtics. While many players have adopted the snack as a pre-game ritual, Flagg has taken the tradition a step further by incorporating it directly into his in-game routine. The results on the court have been difficult to ignore, as Flagg continues a breakout campaign, entering Monday’s play averaging 24.0 points, 7.0 assists, and 6.6 rebounds per game. His performance on Sunday, which included 25 points and a career-high 12 assists, suggests that his current nutritional approach is serving him well as he continues to develop as a key contributor for Dallas.