The moment flashed across screens and social feeds, and Mavericks forward Naji Marshall did not stay silent. He saw Jose Alvarado and Mark Williams trade punches in the intense matchup between the Phoenix Suns and New Orleans Pelicans and responded with loyalty. The game had already turned heated after a hard screen and quick shoves led to both Alvarado and Williams getting ejected in the third quarter. The Mavericks winger then went online with a short message for his former Pelicans teammate.

“Say no more twin don't worry about it.” He was referring to Alvarado, and the bond was obvious in just a few words.

Marshall’s reaction fit the moment. He knows Alvarado well. He shared locker rooms, travel, and playoff pushes with him. When tempers boiled, his support arrived fast.

Suns vs. Mavericks gets hotter

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Naji Marshall’s voice carries weight because of history. He played with Alvarado in New Orleans from 2021 to 2024 before signing a three-year, $27 million deal with the Mavericks in July 2024. That move gave Dallas more size on the wing and more edge in competitive moments. The edge has shown.

Marshall has also taken part in several heated moments. Before his move to the Mavericks, the league suspended him one game along with Jimmy Butler and Nikola Jovic for their roles in a Heat–Pelicans on-court altercation. On December 28, 2024, Marshall was suspended four games after an altercation with Jusuf Nurkic. Back in November, he and PJ Washington also exchanged words with Jeremiah Fears after a game. He has lived inside emotional nights and understands how quickly intensity turns into action on the court.

The league will review the Jose Alvarado–Mark Williams scuffle. Fines or suspensions may follow for both the Pelicans and Suns. But one date already feels bigger now. The Mavericks face the Suns on February 10. Dallas will remember the clips. Phoenix will remember the noise. Pelicans ties sit underneath everything, adding another layer to a matchup already full of storylines.

Fans now wait with one simple question in mind under bright arena lights: will Naji Marshall stay true to his words when the Mavericks meet the Suns?