Naji Marshall knew before tipoff Thursday night that he was not feeling right. He was under the weather, tasked with guarding one of the NBA’s most physical guards, and stepping into another high-leverage matchup against a Detroit Pistons team that has turned toughness into an identity. By the end of the night, Marshall had again become one of the Dallas Mavericks’ stabilizers — not only through scoring, but through energy, communication, and competitive edge.
Marshall finished with 16 points in 33 minutes, played through illness, and helped Dallas match Detroit’s physicality in a 116-114 overtime win at American Airlines Center.
For the Mavericks, his impact extended well beyond the box score.
Playing Through Illness, Competing Anyway
Marshall did not shy away from the challenge, even as the night demanded constant movement and physical resistance on both ends of the floor.
“It was definitely tough to start the game off, especially chasing around Cade,” Marshall said. “But as the day goes by, I’m starting to feel better — staying hydrated, getting fluids in my body.”
Asked afterward about playing through illness, Marshall met the moment with honesty — and humor.
“Shout out to Kidd for that,” he said. “Michael Jordan had what, 40 when he had the flu? Sixteen, man — this was a bubble guts game.”
Despite not feeling his best, Marshall remained aggressive early, attacking downhill, drawing fouls, and providing Dallas with a physical edge during stretches when execution wavered.
Production Matching Responsibility
Marshall’s voice has grown alongside his role, and the numbers support it.
In nine games as a starter this season, Marshall has averaged 17.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, a reflection of both expanded opportunity and trust. His willingness to attack mismatches and defend multiple positions has helped stabilize Dallas amid lineup changes and injuries.
That balance showed against Detroit. Even while battling illness, Marshall stayed assertive, finished through contact, and accepted difficult defensive assignments — setting a tone that carried into the closing minutes.
Embracing The Fight Against Detroit
Detroit entered the night with the best record in the Eastern Conference and a reputation for turning games into trench warfare. Marshall said that challenge brought out the best in both teams.
“Shout out to them, man,” Marshall said. “They’re an unbelievable team — first in the East, they’ve been balling this season. They’ve got a lot of physical guys… Those guys come and play hard, crash the glass, pick up full court on defense.”
The game reflected that description. Bodies hit the floor, tempers flared, and whistles were frequent. Marshall believed that environment sharpened Dallas’ focus.
“It’s always going to be a scrappy game,” he said. “But that’s what makes the game fun. It makes us play hard, the fans were into it, so it was just an all-around fun game.”
Belief In The Group
Marshall repeatedly returned to one theme postgame: belief — not just in the win, but in the process that led to it.
“It shows how much fight we got in our guys,” Marshall said. “How much we love the game, and how much we truly want to win. It’s not easy out here.”
Dallas has now won six of its last eight games, a stretch Marshall said felt inevitable even when results earlier in the season suggested otherwise.
“I saw it coming together even when we were losing,” he said. “Everything’s a learning experience.”
He contrasted the Mavericks’ locker room culture with experiences elsewhere.
“I’ve been on teams where we lost a lot of games and guys just gave in,” Marshall said. “This team is different. We could lose and come to practice the next day, music playing, guys in early getting their work in.”
A Growing Identity
As Dallas continues to gain traction, Marshall sees a clearer identity taking shape.
“Tough,” he said. “Can score. Can defend. Can run in transition. I think we’re an all-around team.”
That versatility showed late against Detroit, when multiple players made defensive plays to close the game.
“Down the stretch, Coop made some big plays,” Marshall said. “PJ, AD, Gaff, Max, shout out B-Will — it’s really a team effort.”
Marshall also made clear that the team’s trust in Cooper Flagg is shared organically.
“Every game somebody guards him with their best defender,” Marshall said. “And he just goes out and proves why he was the No. 1 pick.”
Looking Ahead
The overtime win over Detroit marked another step forward for a Mavericks team beginning to find consistency, health, and clarity as it prepares for a two-game road trip beginning Saturday in Philadelphia.
For Marshall, the mindset remains unchanged.
“Winning in the NBA is hard,” he said. “So just showing fight, getting stops, and executing down the stretch — I’m proud of my guys.”
On a night defined by physicality and perseverance, Marshall’s effort and voice helped Dallas match both — and outlast one of the league’s toughest opponents.
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