DALLAS — A strong showing from Naji Marshall against his former team wasn’t enough to lift the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night, as they dropped a 120-111 decision to the New Orleans Pelicans.
Marshall delivered a season-high 32 points, attacking aggressively and keeping Dallas within striking distance for much of the night. Facing the franchise where he began his career, the veteran wing showed no hesitation, scoring at all three levels and providing a steady offensive spark.
Rookie standout Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, continued to impress with a near all-around performance. Flagg finished with 21 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, showcasing his versatility and poise despite the loss.
New Orleans countered with a balanced effort led by Zion Williamson, who powered his way to 27 points. Williamson controlled the tempo in key stretches, helping the Pelicans maintain separation late in the game.
Dallas struggled to string together defensive stops down the stretch, allowing New Orleans to capitalize on second-chance opportunities and transition buckets. Despite closing the gap briefly in the fourth quarter, the Mavericks couldn’t overcome the Pelicans’ consistent offensive pressure.
The loss adds another setback for Dallas as it looks to build momentum, while New Orleans continues to find rhythm behind its star forward.
Dallas will aim to regroup quickly as the schedule rolls on, with lessons to take from a night where individual performances stood out but team execution fell short.
