Naji Marshall. Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Naji Marshall heats up from deep in Game 4

By Sean Keane | Last updated Apr 29, 2024 11:00 PM ET

The Pelicans have had trouble finding offense against the Thunder's defense throughout the Western Conference first-round series. In Game 4, they found some of it from an unlikely source.

NAJIIIIIIIIIII pic.twitter.com/YjFldygxzL
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) April 30, 2024

Naji Marshall had 16 points early in the fourth quarter, including a team-leading four three-pointers. The backup big man averaged only 7.1 points during the regular season, though he did make a healthy 38.7 percent of his threes.

Naji Marshall you dawg pic.twitter.com/r9RmeC9Ljt
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) April 30, 2024

In a series where the Thunder have defended the paint ferociously, Marshall's three-point shooting made an impact for New Orleans' offense. It didn't hurt that he added a steal and a block. But the team hasn't scored since Marshall came out of the game, putting New Orleans in dire peril of a sweep.

Just don't blame Marshall for this one.

Sean Keane

Sean Keane is a sportswriter and a comedian based in Oakland, California, with experience covering the NBA, MLB, NFL and Ice Cube’s three-on-three basketball league, The Big 3. He’s written for Comedy Central’s “Another Period,” ESPN the Magazine, and Audible. com

More must-reads: