Nerlens Noel was a DNP-Coach's Decision in the Dallas Mavericks' 111-104 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Rick Carlisle said Salah Mejri has earned playing time over Noel at this point.

"Look, minutes have to be earned," Carlisle said. "At this point, if it's between him and Salah, Salah has earned the minutes. There's no doghouse here. There just isn't. It's pretty simple: You compete, and if you earn minutes, you get minutes. And you've got to compete to keep them, because it's a competitive situation."

Noel said he wasn't bothered by sitting in the game and is trying to stay ready.

"I'm good, I'm good," Noel said. "I'm a very self-confident player. I know I can go in there and change games. When my number is called, I'll do just that and help some winning efforts. That's all my play style is about, is just winning. When I'm called on, I'll bring my winning effort."

Noel turned down a four-year, $70 million contract offer by the Mavericks this offseason.