Naji Marshall Returns from Suspension as Mavericks Aim to End Skid Against Grizzlies: “I’m Ready to Get Back”

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 shorthanded 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.”

Quentin Grimes Stepping Up for Dallas Mavericks

Quentin Grimes did his best to hold things down in Friday’s 134-122 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, dropping 26 points. But a 20-0 run by Cleveland in the first half created a gap too wide for Dallas to close. Grimes is eager to have Marshall back.

“We know how good we are at full strength,” Grimes said. “We just got to hold it down however long Luka’s out, or Kai’s out. We get Naji back, so that will be a big help.”

Head coach Jason Kidd echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the significance of Marshall’s return.

“Yeah, just his health, happy to have another healthy body back,” Kidd said. “Just his ability to play defense, his ability to handle, and then also on the offensive end. Simple.”

Memphis Grizzlies’ Injury Woes and Game Plan

The Grizzlies have an even longer injury report than the Mavericks entering Monday’s matchup, with Ja Morant already ruled out and Desmond Bane doubtful to play. Memphis will continue to rely heavily on Jaren Jackson Jr., averaging 23.4 points in 16 games without Morant. Marshall is aware of the task ahead to contain Jackson.

“He’s a great player. He gets the team going no matter who’s playing, and he can lead them to a lot of wins if you let him get hot early. We just got to stop him, focus on him, and stick to the game plan.”

Kidd acknowledged Jackson’s versatility as a key challenge for Dallas.

“When you look at Jackson’s ability to shoot the three, he can play inside and out. He is definitely the focal point right now with Ja out,” Kidd said. “He can go one-on-one, you can put him in the post. His offense is one of the best in the league, and defensively, he’s always one of the best at protecting the rim. We have to identify him when you do drive because he’s there to protect the rim.”

Naji Marshall’s Impact on the Dallas Mavericks

Marshall’s return offers Dallas a glimmer of hope. He’s been productive without Dončić in the lineup, averaging 14.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in nine games, and hasn’t played without both him and Irving sidelined. Marshall knows he has to step up, especially with Dončić and Irving still out.

“Just staying locked in,” Marshall said. “When it’s my time, I have to knock down shots, finish around the rim, and keep getting stops on the defensive end.”

Klay Thompson, who has stepped into a larger offensive role, has scored 18.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in three games without Dončić and Irving. Marshall, who has worked hard, is ready to boost the group.

“I just kept working with the coaches – a lot of sprints, lifting weights, the usual stuff to stay in shape,” Marshall said.

Spencer Dinwiddie and P.J. Washington have shown capable of stepping up to shoulder a larger offensive workload when Irving and Dončić are out, including a combined 58-point effort on the road in Sacramento. Marshall being back in the mix should help make the offense more unpredictable.

Jason Kidd on Memphis Grizzlies’ Playing Style

Kidd highlighted Memphis’s style of play as another key point to watch. This season, Memphis has used far fewer pick-and-rolls, contrasting the traditional NBA style in the current offense era.

“They’re the least pick-and-roll team,” Kidd explained. “With Ja out, they might be a little different, but they stay away from the pick-and-roll. They’re gonna drive you, put pressure on your defense, and if you collapse, they’ll kick it out for threes. We gotta rebound and protect the ball.”

With Dončić still out for at least most of January, Marshall’s return could provide the spark the Mavericks need to stop the bleeding and build momentum ahead of a homestand that begins Tuesday against the Los Angeles Lakers.