Instant Reactions: Mavericks rally late but fall to Kings at AAC

The Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks entered the night both well below .500 and shorthanded, missing the majority of their key starters. Still, the two teams competed with playoff-level intensity.

Even with Cooper Flagg and P.J. Washington in the lineup, Dallas attacked the rim aggressively and leaned on its veterans. Naji Marshall, known as “The Knife,” carved through the Kings’ defense, slicing into the paint and creating offense. Starting at point guard, Marshall finished with 36 points, 10 rebounds and six assists.

Despite the Mavericks being down more than five rotation players, Marshall played with postseason urgency. In the second quarter, he fired a cross-court pass to Klay Thompson that led to a transition 3-pointer. Marshall had an open look on the right wing but deferred to Thompson, who is shooting 37.8% from beyond the arc this season.

Marshall was joined by veteran Khris Middleton, who played his first game at the American Airlines Center since being traded from Washington. Middleton recorded 17 points, four assists and five rebounds.

“(We’re) playing through him,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd joked during his pregame availability. “He’s a vet. I’ve been with him early in his journey. He’s a champion. He’s a pro. I’ve been talking to him a lot about how he can help Cooper Flagg.”

Despite strong performances from Marshall and Middleton, Dallas could not hold off Sacramento. Precious Achiuwa led the Kings with 29 points and 12 rebounds in a 130-121 victory.