The Dallas Mavericks were led by Klay Thompson over the Utah Jazz, although one overlooked player stood out.
The Dallas Mavericks blew out the Utah Jazz on Thursday night, 144-122. While we here at MavsRoundtable have been calling for a tank, you can't lose every game, and a confidence-builder could go a long way.
Klay Thompson led the way for the Mavericks with 26 points, stepping up off the bench without Cooper Flagg. The Jazz were also led by a bench player, as Brice Sensabaugh offered 27 of his own.
Lauri Markkanen didn't play, so Utah's best weapon coming into the game was Keyone George, who offered 17 points. Rookie Ace Bailey scored 15, although he was held to a very inefficient shooting night. Without Flagg in the lineup, the Maericks turned elsewhere for lockdown defense.
Mavs Credit Naji Marshall For the Win
While Thompson's effort stole the show and got the headlines, Naji Marshall offered 22 points while shooting a solid nine-of-15 from the floor. Without Flagg, he stepped up, and got some praise from the game's MVP.
"It was fun, the season's like that," said Thompson after his 26-point outing. "It's a grueling journey. So for us to be as deep as we were tonight, and I mean, shout out to Miles, all the young guys, Jeremiah called up and came and had a great game. Moussa, Naji Marshall's been on a heater. It was a much-needed victory, and hopefully we can have the same performance on Saturday."
Marshall is one of the best defenders on the team, although he is only shooting 30.8% from deep this season. However, as of late, he's been attacking the basket and getting to his spots, making him a formidable two-way player.
"I think for a young player, being able to handle, make plays for his teammates, and then compete on the defensive end, he never has a night off," followed up Jason Kidd, speaking about Marshall. "Because we look at him as one of our best wing defenders, so he's always up for the challenge of running the best offensive player."
Marshall and PJ Washington are quickly cementing themselves as key building blocks moving forward, next to Flagg and Dereck Lively II. If Marshall can be the team's best defender on any given night, it's safe to say that Kidd will advocate to keep him around.