Precious Achiuwa outduels Naji Marshall in sad tank-off

Sacramento Kings forward Precious Achiuwa (9) drives to the basket past Dallas Mavericks guard Tyus Jones (1) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Kings' Precious Achiuwa outduels Mavericks' Naji Marshall in sad tank-off

By Sean Keane | Last updated Feb 27, 2026 8:03 AM ET

Precious Achiuwa had a career-high 29 points Thursday night. Naji Marshall was one point short of a career-high with 36. Yet the Dallas Mavericks ultimately won by losing a 130-121 matchup between two tanking teams.

Neither the Mavericks or Sacramento Kings are attempting to make the playoffs despite their preseason aspirations. With multiple players sitting on both sides, the reserves shone in a game that highlighted the NBA's late-season tanking issues.

Unheralded players shone in a game both teams wanted to lose

Individual NBA players try their best to compete in every game. But NBA organizations often wave the white flag early, prioritizing draft placement ahead of late-season wins.

That was the case Thursday night. Dallas rested starters P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford as well as injured rookie Copper Flagg. Sacramento kept Russell Westbrook and Keegan Murray out, after Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine and De'Andre Hunter all had season-ending surgery in the last two weeks.

Thursday, Achiuwa and Marshall went off, mainly because someone has to score in an NBA game. Achiuwa's 12th rebound led to a putback basket with 1:29 to go and the Mavericks never scored again. Achiuwa scored big, but in a game more akin to a Summer League matchup than an NBA game.

Put it DOWN Precious pic.twitter.com/kQ7f91sgbd
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) February 27, 2026

Mavericks and Kings are hardly developing young talent

Achiuwa is 26 years old and in his seventh NBA season. The Kings signed him to a minimum contract. Marshall is 28 years old and in his fifth season. Neither player is likely to be a part of their respective team's futures.

With six weeks to go in the regular season, this is a problem for the NBA. Season ticket holders have paid their money, games are still being televised, yet the game amounts to a duel between irrelevant players.

Sacramento's Daeqwon Plowden, a 27-year-old journeyman, has 19 points. Marvin Bagley, a disappointing No. 2 overall pick from 2018, had 10 points in 29 minutes for the Mavericks against his old team. The Mavericks debuted four players they received in the Anthony Davis trade — which happened three full weeks ago.

It was a nice night for Achiuwa and Marshall. It was a bad night for the NBA and anyone who thinks competitive basketball should exist for at least the first three-quarters of the season. Plus, the Mavericks went home happiest, having improved their draft position with a loss. It's a bleak time for the tanking-plagued NBA.

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

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