{"id":630304,"date":"2026-02-28T13:12:56","date_gmt":"2026-02-28T13:12:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/630304\/"},"modified":"2026-02-28T13:12:56","modified_gmt":"2026-02-28T13:12:56","slug":"dallas-mavericks-fall-to-league-worst-sacramento-kings-despite-naji-marshalls-historic-night","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/630304\/","title":{"rendered":"Dallas Mavericks Fall To League-Worst Sacramento Kings Despite Naji Marshall’s Historic Night"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Dallas Mavericks<\/a> suffered one of their more disheartening losses of a difficult season Thursday night, falling 130-121 to the Sacramento Kings \u2014 the team with the worst record in the NBA \u2014 at American Airlines Center. The loss dropped Dallas to 21-37, extended their home losing streak to six games, and left them with just two wins in their last 13 outings.<\/p>\n

Naji Marshall<\/a> delivered a historically remarkable individual performance, finishing with 36 points on 14-of-23 shooting, 10 rebounds, and six assists \u2014 becoming just the third undrafted player since 1983-84 to record 35 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in a game, joining Austin Reaves<\/a> and Amir Coffey<\/a>. He also joined Luka Don\u010di\u0107<\/a> as the only other Maverick to record a 35-10-5 line since Dirk Nowitzki<\/a> did it in 2009. It wasn\u2019t enough.<\/p>\n

Precious Achiuwa<\/a> posted a career-high 29 points and 12 rebounds, Maxime Raynaud<\/a> added 22 points, and Sacramento completed a 7-0 closing run to seal a result that will sting in Dallas for days.<\/p>\n

Dallas Mavericks Stuck in Quicksand Early<\/p>\n

The Kings wasted no time establishing their intentions. Sacramento outscored Dallas 42-28 in the first quarter, with Achiuwa nearly single-handedly setting the tone \u2014 he scored 14 of those points and hauled in seven rebounds in the period alone, including a three-pointer at the buzzer off a Killian Hayes<\/a> assist that pushed the lead to 42-28.<\/p>\n

Marshall was the lone bright spot, scoring 23 of the Mavericks\u2019 28 first-quarter points across a dizzying variety of buckets \u2014 driving layups, a step-back jumper, free throws \u2014 doing everything he could to keep Dallas afloat while the Kings pushed and ran and did essentially whatever they wanted.<\/p>\n

\u201cWay too many points in the first,\u201d Kidd said. \u201cBut after the first I thought we settled in defensively. We gave up 76 points in the paint and I think 15 offensive rebounds. We have to be better \u2014 getting the rebound and getting out and running. We just didn\u2019t do that on a consistent basis tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marshall was more measured when reflecting on the early hole.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t that difficult,\u201d Marshall said of the comeback effort. \u201cJust locked in, played basketball the way we know how, and the game got simple.\u201d<\/p>\n

Naji Marshall Stays Aggressive to Rally Dallas Mavericks Back<\/p>\n

Dallas made lineup changes to open the second quarter, inserting A.J. Johnson for Brandon Williams<\/a>, and the 22-year-old immediately provided energy \u2014 knocking down a running layup and converting the free throw to complete a three-point play that sparked brief hope. Johnson would finish with 11 points on a perfect 4-of-4 from the field in 15 minutes, his best outing as a Maverick.<\/p>\n

But Sacramento had an answer of their own off the bench. Drew Eubanks<\/a>, given the start in place of the injured Domantas Sabonis<\/a>, scored 11 points in just 10 minutes on 5-of-6 shooting, including a dunk and a free throw that pushed the lead to 18. He was one of four Kings to score in double figures off bench minutes.<\/p>\n

Marshall remained relentless, adding a three-pointer, an offensive rebound and putback, and a running layup as the Mavericks chipped away. A Caleb Martin<\/a> steal and a Marshall layup trimmed the deficit to 66-56 late in the half, but a Carter buzzer-beater dunk off an Achiuwa steal pushed the Kings\u2019 halftime advantage back to 68-56.<\/p>\n

The Mavericks went into the break shooting 56.4% from the field \u2014 and still trailed by 12.<\/p>\n

Within Three, Then the Floor Falls Out<\/p>\n

The third quarter was a story of cruel momentum swings. Dallas opened with renewed urgency \u2014 a Marvin Bagley III<\/a> dunk, Middleton free throws, and a Max Christie<\/a> triple off a Marshall assist cut the deficit to 72-69 inside the first three minutes. The crowd at American Airlines Center came alive.<\/p>\n

Then Sacramento detonated a 14-2 run. The Kings capitalized on a Williams turnover, a Middleton travel, and the sheer force of their offensive rebounding \u2014 Carter\u2019s tip-in dunk was one of several second-chance scores that kept the Mavericks from ever truly wrestling control. Dallas continued to fight back in waves, with Klay Thompson<\/a> hitting a three, Marshall adding a pullup, and Martin converting a layup and a corner triple to get the deficit back down to seven at various points. <\/p>\n

But Sacramento answered every charge. Daeqwon Plowden<\/a>, who finished with a career-high 19 points on 7-of-7 shooting including three threes, hit back-to-back triples in the third to repeatedly push the margin back out. The quarter ended 100-88 Kings on a Hayes layup.<\/p>\n

123-121, Then Nothing<\/p>\n

The fourth quarter produced the game\u2019s most compelling \u2014 and ultimately most agonizing \u2014 sequence. Johnson knocked down a three off a Middleton assist, Middleton hit a turnaround jumper, and Williams drilled a triple off a Marshall dish to cut it to 118-114. Then Marshall drew a foul, made one of two, and Williams completed a three-point play to close it to 123-121 with 1:56 remaining. The building was electric.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s when Sacramento made every play that mattered.<\/p>\n

Achiuwa grabbed an offensive rebound with the shot clock nearly expired and converted to push it back to 125-121. Achiuwa then stole a Middleton pass, and Plowden buried a 22-foot three-pointer with 51.9 seconds left to put it effectively out of reach at 128-121. Marshall\u2019s shot was blocked by Achiuwa, Nique Clifford<\/a> scored on the other end with 22.7 seconds remaining to seal it at 130-121, and it was over.<\/p>\n

\u201cTurnovers,\u201d Kidd said of the late-game collapse. \u201cWe missed shots, didn\u2019t take care of the ball, and they capitalized. Sacramento was good tonight \u2014 give them credit. They played hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dallas committed 17 turnovers. Sacramento held a 15-8 advantage in offensive rebounds. Those two figures tell most of the story.<\/p>\n

Naji Marshall Joins Dallas Mavericks Royalty in a Loss<\/p>\n

Whatever stings about this defeat, Marshall\u2019s performance deserves to stand alone. His 36-10-6 line was the kind of game that gets etched into franchise history regardless of the outcome. It was his first career 30-point, 10-rebound game and his seventh career 30-point performance \u2014 all as a Maverick, two points shy of his career high. He joined Don\u010di\u0107, Nowitzki, Jim Jackson<\/a>, Mark Aguirre<\/a>, Sam Perkins<\/a> and Jason Kidd<\/a> as the only players in Mavericks franchise history to record 35-10-5 in a single game. He also became the 16th player this season to reach those numbers league-wide, and one of just three non-All-Stars to do so alongside Austin Reaves and Stephon Castle<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Marshall kept it characteristically understated when asked what was clicking.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust getting to the paint,\u201d Marshall said. \u201cI felt comfortable getting to my shot, and my teammates were slicing the defense and finding me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The versatility of his game \u2014 pulling up off the dribble, spinning in traffic, getting to the line \u2014 was on full display throughout. Asked whether he prefers playing with the ball in his hands, Marshall shrugged off the premise entirely.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter,\u201d Marshall said. \u201cWhatever they need me to do, I could just do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kidd, watching a player who has quietly shouldered enormous offensive responsibility with so many teammates sidelined, put it in sharp relief.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf healthy, I don\u2019t know if he\u2019s gonna play 42 minutes,\u201d Kidd said. \u201cBut shorthanded, he\u2019s taken full advantage of his minutes. His ability to get into the paint and finish, get to the free throw line \u2014 he led the team in rebounds. He\u2019s doing it all.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was also the moment in the fourth quarter when Marshall drilled a driving dunk and sprinted past the Kings\u2019 bench in a burst of emotion. He was diplomatic when asked about what he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t remember,\u201d Marshall said, smiling. \u201cIt was just me feeding off the game \u2014 it really wasn\u2019t directed at anybody. Just emotion from how the game was going. It was random.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kidd offered a more expansive take on what makes Marshall tick.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s just who he is,\u201d Kidd said. \u201cThat\u2019s the character of Naji. He just competes, and he did that tonight at a high level.\u201d<\/p>\n

When asked about the biggest area of growth in Marshall\u2019s game, Kidd pointed to something philosophical rather than physical.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust the understanding that being boring is cool,\u201d Kidd said. \u201cAnd he\u2019s doing that at a high level right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marshall, for his part, embraced the label without hesitation.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust doing what I know best and sticking with it,\u201d Marshall said. \u201cIt\u2019s working for me, so I just continue to do that. Over and over might be boring, but as long as it works and it\u2019s working for the team, I\u2019ll just keep doing it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The New Guys Arrive, But For How Long?<\/p>\n

The four players acquired in the February 5th trade that sent Anthony Davis<\/a> to Washington all made their Dallas debuts Thursday. Middleton led the group with 17 points on 5-of-9 shooting, including two three-pointers, and added five rebounds. For a Mavericks team missing Cooper Flagg<\/a> (left midfoot sprain, fifth straight absence), Kyrie Irving<\/a>, Daniel Gafford<\/a>, P.J. Washington<\/a>, and Dereck Lively II<\/a>, Middleton\u2019s steadying presence was exactly what Kidd had hoped for.<\/p>\n

The performance came with an asterisk, however. Sources told DallasHoopsJournal.com <\/a>that Middleton could still be bought out before Saturday\u2019s March 1 deadline, potentially allowing him to sign with a playoff contender. The clock is ticking on whether Thursday\u2019s debut becomes the first chapter of something meaningful in Dallas \u2014 or merely a one-game cameo.<\/p>\n

For now, Kidd spoke about Middleton as though he intends to lean on him heavily.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a champion, he\u2019s a pro, he comes to work, he does his job,\u201d Kidd said, who previously coached Middleton in Milwaukee. \u201cHe can help us with his voice, not just his play. I\u2019ve been talking to him a lot about how he can help Coop. He feels like he can help Cooper. Just looking at his knowledge and understanding of the game \u2014 it\u2019s been great working with Khris.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marshall, who started alongside Middleton and fed off his floor-spacing all night, was equally effusive \u2014 and spoke to how naturally the pairing has come together in a short time.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just know how to play basketball,\u201d Marshall said. \u201cAs you play with guys, you understand and learn their spots, know what they like to do \u2014 it just becomes an easy adjustment after that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marshall also praised Middleton\u2019s presence beyond the stat sheet.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a vet,\u201d Marshall said. \u201cHe helps us score, spaces the floor, makes the game easier \u2014 and he\u2019s just an all-around good teammate. He helps us on the floor, shows us how to make the game easier. Shout out to Chris.\u201d<\/p>\n

Middleton has already been filling a leadership role that extends well beyond his numbers, according to Kidd \u2014 all of which would be sorely missed if a buyout comes to pass before Saturday\u2019s deadline.<\/p>\n

A.J. Johnson\u2019s Debut Hints at What\u2019s Ahead<\/p>\n

Johnson\u2019s 11-point debut off the bench was one of the few genuine feel-good moments of the night. The 22-year-old was a perfect 4-of-4 from the field, including a three-pointer, and his energy in the second quarter helped fuel a run that briefly made the 17-point hole feel manageable. His fourth-quarter three-pointer off a Middleton assist was part of the Mavericks\u2019 final push.<\/p>\n

Kidd had clearly been watching closely.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought his minutes were positive,\u201d Kidd said. \u201cWe talked about it before the game \u2014 I thought he was positive in Minnesota, and if he had another opportunity tonight, which we thought he would, he was going to be positive again. He made some shots for us, his energy became contagious and got us back into the game.\u201d<\/p>\n

Johnson described his approach simply.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust being aggressive, trusting my teammates, and trusting myself,\u201d Johnson said.<\/p>\n

When asked what Kidd is looking for from him each time he checks in, Johnson kept it equally straightforward.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust to create a positive impact for our team,\u201d Johnson said. \u201cJust trying to do everything I can \u2014 if it\u2019s picking up full court, trying to get a steal, just doing the little things.\u201d<\/p>\n

Brandon Williams, meanwhile, contributed 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting with four assists \u2014 his 15th game with 15 or more points as a reserve this season, a figure he reached only eight times in his entire career prior to this year.<\/p>\n

Two Shorthanded Teams, One Brutal Reality<\/p>\n

Both teams came in battered. Sacramento was without Russell Westbrook<\/a>, Zach LaVine<\/a>, Keegan Murray<\/a> and Sabonis. Dallas was without Flagg, Irving, Gafford, P.J. Washington, and Lively. Kidd acknowledged the shared misery \u2014 but refused to let it become an excuse.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can sit around and just discuss the injuries that we have, because we\u2019ve got a lot of that in common,\u201d Kidd said. \u201cBoth teams are here to play basketball at the highest level and play it the right way. It\u2019s next man up mentality. I know Doug has probably said that to his group. It gives a younger player or another player an opportunity to prove to his teammates and coaches that they deserve those minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

The schedule compounds everything. Coming off a brutal road trip, playing four games in four days at home before another extended road swing, the grind is real. But Marshall wasn\u2019t looking for sympathy.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s part of the game,\u201d Marshall said. \u201cYou\u2019ve got a job to do no matter how many games, how many days, or where you are. I just have to show up each and every game, each and every day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kidd was similarly resigned to the reality of the NBA calendar.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the schedule,\u201d Kidd said. \u201cWe had a home stand to start the season \u2014 I think five games \u2014 so it was going to catch up to us. And then you add the snow game on the tail end of an 11-day trip. But it is what it is. We gotta play. A lot of basketball ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n

Johnson, for his part, already had his eyes on Friday night and what it will take to get the Mavericks back on track against the Memphis Grizzlies.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust compete at a really high level,\u201d Johnson said. \u201cFocus on the defensive end, get stops, rebound, be physical \u2014 I feel like if we do that, the offense and everything else will take care of itself.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Mavericks host the Grizzlies on Friday night at American Airlines Center, with tipoff slated for 7:30 p.m. CST.<\/p>\n

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