Mavericks' X-factor explodes for career-high, proving limitless potential

When Naji Marshall signed with the Dallas Mavericks this past free agency, Mavericks fans knew they were getting an underrated forward. Most fans were disappointed that Dallas would be losing Derrick Jones Jr., but they quickly became excited about Marshall's potential. Marshall was an up-and-coming forward with the New Orleans Pelicans and made a name for himself through his defense and intensity.

Unfortunately for the Mavericks, Marshall's tenure as a Maverick began rough when he scored just two points in his Maverick debut. Marshall continued to struggle from an offensive standpoint early on, but luckily his defensive effort was able to help Mavericks fans forget about his offensive struggles.

As the team headed to the Mile High City to take on the Denver Nuggets, the Mavericks needed an X-factor to come up big without Luka Doncic in the lineup as he is out with a wrist sprain, and Nikola Jokic returning to the lineup for the Nuggets. When the Mavericks least expected it, Marshall came through with his best game as a Maverick this season.

Marshall dominates in Denver to have his best game as a Maverick

Marshall silenced doubters and delivered the best game as a Maverick and showed his true potential doing so. In 26 minutes off the bench, Marshall delivered a new career-high of 26 points in the Mavericks' 123-120 win over the Nuggets.

Marshall's 26 points led the Mavericks in scoring as well. Getting a win without Doncic in the lineup against one of the top teams in the NBA was much needed, and Marshall was a key reason why the Mavericks prevailed with the win on both sides of the ball.

Prior to the Nuggets game, Marshall was just 4-of-30 from three this season and had missed his last 14 shots from three. Against the Nuggets, Marshall went 3-of-4 from three but was most spectacular with his floater shot.

When the Mavericks needed Marshall the most, he came through with his floater. With the Mavericks holding on to a two-point lead late in the fourth quarter, Marshall hit a clutch floater over Jamal Murray with under 19 seconds left to put the Mavericks up 119-115.

The Mavericks needed a huge X-factor to play big to not only have the Nuggets pay extra attention to Kyrie Irving, but also due to Klay Thompson scoring zero points on 0-of-8 shooting. With Marshall's performance, he helped pick up the struggling Thompson to help the Mavericks be in a position to win the game.

With an impressive game against the Nuggets, it can be a sign of bigger things to come for Marshall. Prior to the Nuggets game, Marshall scored 13 points or more in three of the last four games. Marshall's floater has been unstoppable this season and he showed it off again against the Nuggets.

Marshall and the Mavericks are now more confident about earning their fourth consecutive win in a tough environment in Denver. The Mavericks have themselves another tough road game against the Miami Heat tomorrow night. For all on the Mavericks and Marshall, stay tuned.