Naji Marshall Returns from Suspension as Mavericks Aim to End Skid Against Grizzlies: 'I'm Ready to Get Back'
Naji Marshall returns from suspension as the Mavericks face the Grizzlies, aiming to end a four-game skid with key players still sidelined.
MEMPHIS — The Dallas Mavericks are desperate to snap a four-game losing streak as they head into Monday night's matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies. With Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving sidelined, the return of Naji Marshall from a four-game suspension couldn’t come at a better time for Dallas.
“Just my energy. A lot of other things on the offensive and defensive end… I just missed the guys,” Marshall said about what he aims to bring. “We've been short-handed for a little minute, so I'm just happy to be back.”
At the start of the Mavericks’ recent four-game road trip, Marshall was suspended after an altercation with Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkić. The incident got heated when Nurkić swung at Marshall, leading to Marshall retaliating with a punch. P.J. Washington also got involved, shoving Nurkić to the floor. The NBA later cited Marshall for trying to further engage Nurkić outside the locker rooms, resulting in his suspension. Nurkić was suspended for three games, while Washington sat out for one.
When speaking to reporters at Monday’s shootaround at FedEx Forum, Marshall didn’t recall much from that night, saying, “I don't even remember bro, to be honest. That was so long ago, I don't even remember.” However, Marshall clarified that he was standing up for his teammate.
Focused on the task ahead, Marshall, who has averaged 10.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists this season, didn't hesitate to express his eagerness to return to the court.
"I feel good. Like it never happened, honestly. I'm ready to get back. That's about it," Marshall said with a shrug.
Watching from the sidelines wasn’t easy for him. He wasn’t allowed to attend any of the Mavericks’ games, causing him to observe from afar.
"It was boring, honestly, because I wanted to be out there,” Marshall admitted. “Just kind of sad that I couldn't be at the game. Like I said, man, I'm just happy to be back with the team – in practice, in the hotels, all that. I missed it.”
Grimes Stepping Up
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Dallas Hoops Journal to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.