Trey Murphy reveals Naji Marshall’s playful text following the controversial ending to the Pelicans' 119-116 win over the Mavericks.

Marshall won't start in Friday's game against the Thunder, Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News reports. Marshall is retreating to Dallas' bench with Kyrie Irving back in the lineup. Over his last six games, Marshall is averaging 11.3 points, 4.2 assists, 3.8 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.0 threes in 28.4 minutes.

Jason Kidd went with an unorthodox starting lineup in an attempt to end a season-long four-game losing streak. The Dallas Mavericks coach inserted Naji Marshall as the primary ball handler in the first unit and did not start any of his traditional point guards.

Kyrie Irving scored 25 points to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 106-98 home win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday.

The trickle-down effect of Irving’s return changes the dynamic for Dallas’ backcourt play. Dinwiddie joined Irving in the backcourt and Naji Marshall returned to the bench. Jaden Hardy, who was in the midst of an offensive surge, was the first guard off the bench in Irving’s absence.

Mavericks guard Jaden Hardy exited the team's game on Friday against the Thunder after suffering an ankle injury.

It was a short-handed Southwestern Division matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans, as Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and Herb Jones were among the key players out on both sides.

The Dallas Mavericks are in title contention this season but have unfortunately dealt with injuries to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving as the role players try to steer the ship until the stars return.

The Dallas Mavericks lost their third consecutive game on Wednesday night to the last-place team in the NBA’s Western Conference New Orleans Pelicans 119-116. The nature of the defeat is what drew attention, however.

Jan 12, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) brings the ball up court against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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