As the NBA Playoffs begin, the fifth seed Dallas Mavericks are getting ready for Game 1 in the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the fourth seed LA Clippers. The teams will meet in the postseason for the third time in five years (Los Angeles defeated Dallas twice in an opening-round best-of-7 series, winning 4-2 in 2020 and 4-3 in 2021).
Acquired at the trade deadline, Mavericks forward PJ Washington is preparing for his first playoff game in his NBA career, very fitting as he will be playing for his hometown team. Washington lived in Dallas-Fort Worth area from first grade to sophomore year in high school. One of his AAU team sponsors had season tickets, so Washington and teammates would go to Mavericks games which he loved, as he sat next to the ManiAACs rooting for Dirk Nowitzki and teammates to victory.
The trade to Dallas was a dream come true for him, to play for Mavs. Once Washington received a call that the trade was agreed upon, he ran out of a restaurant jumping in joy. Imagine spending five seasons in the NBA with the Hornets, losing 60.9 percent of your games and you get traded to your hometown and the team you watched growing up. It brings you back a sense of your childhood and the love you had for the game when you first picked up a basketball.
When Washington arrived in Dallas, I asked what area of his game he looks forward to showcase with the Mavs that he wasn’t able to in Charlotte. Washington said defense, defending multiple positions and showing how good he can be. He said Hornets weren’t good on defense so he wanted to emphasize that with the Mavericks.
Washington did not disappoint on that end of the court. Head coach Jason Kidd loves what Washington brings to the team defensively and measures his individual performance by how he plays on the defensive end, as the offense is a bonus for the team. Washington is gradually growing into a third option for the team, as he continues to get comfortable in his role.
Washington initially struggled shooting the ball as he got integrated in the Mavs offense. He drained 26.5 percent of his threes in his first 15 games.
“I’ve never shot like that in my career, I’ve seen so many in-and-outs here. I’ve been in here each and every day working so I’m not concerned at all. Just keep shooting the open ones and they’ll fall, I’m not worried about it all.” PJ on his early struggles shooting the ball beyond the arc.
The three-point shots did fall for Washington. He made 36.0 percent from beyond the arc in his last 14 games with the Mavericks. Washington has pointed to him being in different roles to the increase in three-point shooting. He mentions shooting a lot above-the-break threes with charlotte and adjusting to shooting a lot more corner threes with Dallas. The Mavs are 6-1 when Washington shoots at least 36.0 percent from the three-point line.
I asked Jason Kidd what he’s learned about Washington and Dan Gafford, who joined Mavs in a separate trade deadline deal at the same time, that he didn’t know from the opposing end. Kidd said them being pros, they are happy to be here (in Dallas). They want to win. They might not have won in the past but they want to do their part, starting or not, to win.
The Mavs were 21-8 with Washington during the regular season and the 25-year-old instantly became a vital player in the starting lineup. Washington brings versatility on both sides of the court, which can make a difference in the postseason, for a team looking to make a playoff run.
“Feels great. I mean I just can’t wait, I’ve been talking about it the whole time since I’ve been here.” PJ Washington on clinching postseason with the Dallas Mavericks.
On offense, Washington has shown the ability to score inside and outside. His short game in the paint is really good. It draws your attention watching him display his floater, hook shot, backboard shot, footwork ability in the low post and dunks when he cuts to the rim. Washington is able to take bigger defenders off the dribble. With Washington finding his rhythm on the corner threes at the end of the regular season, he stretches the floor for the Mavs when their stars Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving get blitzed, creating spacing for the team.
Defensively, Washington’s 6’7” frame and 7’2.5 wingspan gives him an edge to switch and defend multiple positions. He has a knack for being able to control his positioning and contesting shots and making it difficult for opponents. Washington is a good rebounder as well, averaging 6.2 rebounds per game with the Mavericks. He takes on the toughest assignments defensively alongside his teammate Derrick Jones Jr. each game. Jones defends the best opposing guard while Washington defends the best opposing forward.
Mavs with Washington and Jones on the floor during the regular season:
Defensive Rating – 103.05
Mavs with Washington and Jones off the floor during the regular season:
Defensive Rating – 113.35
They will be needed to replicate the success they had on defense for the postseason.
“Obviously here to make it in Dallas, my hometown, a lot of family and friends are going to be there. So I’m just excited. I mean it’s a dream come true for me and I can’t wait to get it going.” PJ Washington on making the playoffs for the first time.
Washington’s skill to defend, create offense and recent shooting will pay dividends for the Mavericks as they are projected to go deep into the playoffs. The Mavericks first test will be a familiar foe in the LA Clippers. Washington will have tough assignments in Kawhi Leonard, when he plays, and Paul George.