Unsung Mavericks player has stepped up in Doncic's absence

Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall. Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Unsung Mavericks player has stepped up in Luka Doncic's absence

By Sai Mohan | Last updated Nov 28, 2024 6:42 AM ET

Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has repeatedly shown the ability to bring out the best in players, especially unheralded role players. Last season, P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford were beneficiaries of Kidd's coaching when they arrived in Dallas via a pair of trades.

This season, it's Naji Marshall's turn to take his game to a whole new level. During Wednesday night's win over the Knicks, Marshall posted his fourth consecutive 20-point game, stepping up big time in the absence of both Klay Thompson (foot) and Luka Doncic (wrist). The latter was missing his fourth straight game, and incidentally, Marshall's hot streak coincided with the Slovenian star's absence.

Amazingly, Marshall had only six 20-point games through his first four seasons in New Orleans. The streak proves again that Kidd has a knack for bringing out the best in role players, especially when he entrusts them to take on a large role on offense.

FOUR STRAIGHT 20-PT GAMES FOR NAJI MARSHALL

He had just 6 total in his career before this streak pic.twitter.com/XnbSyWIN7j
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 28, 2024

Over the last four games, Marshall has averaged 23.0 points and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 55.6 percent from three. Kidd has used him as more than just a spot-up shooter, often calling on the undrafted wing to attack mismatches and go to the post.

There were several instances Wednesday when Marshall fearlessly posted up elite defenders such as OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges and enjoyed great results.

Marshall would hit Bridges with the "too small" taunt after scoring over him.

TOO pic.twitter.com/xxolWH5ykY
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) November 28, 2024

After his 24-point night on Wednesday, Marshall thanked his teammates for giving him the confidence to step up in Doncic's absence.

Naji Marshall on how much fun he’s having with the Mavs:

“Definitely having fun. It’s a new group of guys, everybody’s embraced me with open arms. It’s all love on the team. Everybody’s happy for each other, especially when we out there and everybody’s going to work so it’s kind… pic.twitter.com/fS3AqyTI5y
— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) November 28, 2024

Doncic is expected to remain out when the Mavericks travel to Utah for a game on Saturday. Can Marshall extend his 20-point streak to five?

The Mavericks (11-8) are currently eighth in the crowded Western Conference but are expected to finish as a top-four seed as the season progresses. Per ESPN BET, they have the second-shortest odds to represent the West in the 2025 NBA Finals.

Sai Mohan

A veteran sportswriter based in Portugal, Sai covers the NBA for Yardbarker and a few local news outlets. He had the honor of covering sporting events across four different continents as a newspaper reporter. Some of his all-time favorite athletes include Mike Tyson, Larry Bird, Luís Figo, Ayrton Senna and Steffi Graf.

More must-reads: