Naji Marshall doubles down on defiant Luka Doncic take at perfect time

The Dallas Mavericks are hitting their stride at the perfect moment, playing their best basketball of the season and finding ways to win even without Luka Dončić. This comes after a tough four-game losing streak, which included a loss to the Western Conference’s worst team, the Utah Jazz.

Dallas’ latest victory came on the road against the Denver Nuggets, where they secured a three-point win at Ball Arena, thanks in large part to Naji Marshall’s standout performance. Marshall’s defense continues to impress, and his unique floater has quietly become one of his most effective weapons.

Marshall finished with a team-high 26 points off the bench, shooting 11-of-15 from the field and hitting three three-pointers. His contributions on defense, ball-handling, and ability to push the pace in transition have made him one of the Mavericks’ most important X-factors. Additionally, he has consistently stood up for Dončić, defending his superstar teammate at every opportunity.

Marshall has been vocal in supporting Dončić’s defense, even as it has come under scrutiny. After the Mavericks’ win against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday, Marshall defended Dončić’s defensive abilities, particularly in a tweet he shared in response to a fan praising Dončić for his defense this season. Marshall quoted the tweet with “see,” acknowledging Dončić’s impressive isolation defense, post defense, and high defensive rating. Marshall consistently sticks up for Dončić, even amid growing criticism.

Dončić’s defense has been heavily criticized since a defensive lapse in a loss to Utah, although he admitted to a “miscommunication” during that game. Despite the ongoing criticism, Dončić has the potential to be a strong defender when fully engaged. Though his defense has been inconsistent this season, he has shown moments of excellence, particularly in isolation situations during key moments.

The debate over Dončić’s defense has been ongoing, especially after last season’s playoffs, where he was heavily criticized despite making considerable improvements as a defender during the regular season. Dončić has demonstrated the ability to lock down opponents on the perimeter when focused, but maintaining that level of defense throughout entire games remains a challenge. His recent defensive struggles may also be linked to the injuries he has dealt with this season, but the upcoming week could provide him with a chance to recover and show more consistency on that end of the floor.