DALLAS — Without Luka Doncic in the lineup, the Dallas Mavericks faced a tough matchup against the Golden State Warriors on the second night of a back-to-back. Kyrie Irving helped set the tone, but 32 points from his teammate P.J. Washington pushed the Mavs to a 108-106 victory.
“He was great,” Irving said of Washington. You could tell by the way he started the game that it was going to be a special night. That's what we need, especially when we don't have certain players in the lineup, we need that offensive firepower. ”
April 5, 2024. Dallas, Texas, USA.Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) celebrates with Dallas
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
With the Warriors blitzing Irving at times, Washington knew it had to be aggressive to fill the void left by Doncic's absence. Washington had scored 30 or more points in five games prior to the game against Golden State, including three 40-point performances, and was more than ready to step up when his number was called. It was in order.
“I try to pick my spots and attack early and often and apply pressure,” Washington said.
Washington's biggest bucket was the game-clinching shot. Irving double-teams a pass to Tim Hardaway Jr. at the top of the key, Hardaway Jr. passes the catch with a clean look to attack downhill, and a drop-off pass to Washington in the paint leads to a catch-and-finish. Ta. 4.1 seconds left in regulation. Dallas won 108-106.
“Tim was driving and I thought he was going to make a shot. So I just go in and try to get the rebound. If you give me a pass, I just make the play. We just try to do that and win the game,” Washington said.
The Mavs got a versatile scoring performance from Washington, who frequently scored in transition as a ball handler and as a relief option at the finish. He attempted and converted a catch-and-shoot at a high clip. But he also made some plays as a cutter, with Irving using his gravity as a cross screen and finishing off a handoff from Dwight Powell by attacking from the corner.
“I think he just picked his position and took what the defense gave him,” Irving said of Washington. “There was a little bit more positivity in there being an opportunity. So I think he made the most of it.”
After a tough shooting practice in three games in mid-March, Washington has steadily improved its offense, especially over the last six games, scoring in double digits in five of the last six games. Washington remains confident in his shooting ability and continues to prepare to knock down shots that come his way. He is averaging 17.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists in his past six performances.
“Obviously, I haven't been taking a lot of shots lately, so just being able to see them go in is a big confidence booster for me,” Washington said. “I credit all of my coaches for being with me every day and putting in the work. I'm really excited to get the W tonight.” I picked my spots and attacked early and often. I tried to apply pressure. ”
Washington's teammates are confident in his abilities. Daniel Gafford was impressed with Washington's attack in the paint, but praised his impact defensively, even though his 32 points garnered the most attention from spectators.
“I felt like he was on a roll from the beginning of the game,” Gafford said. “Just watching him go downhill and work hard every day and make shots, I finally started to see what type of player he is, especially defensively.”Not necessarily on the offensive end. Not just that. He didn't even know he had 32 (points) until the end of the game. I’m like, “Oh my god.” “
Gafford further highlights Washington's impact on defense, holding his own when getting the ball against tough opponents and being a necessary relief option as an off-ball defender in help defense. praised.
“Like I said, he's guarding some of the best guards, some of the best forwards, and on that day we just make sure we always have his back. On the last line of defense. , we see a lot that he really helps our defense. He gives a lot of energy up front and if something gets past him, he almost always recovers and tries to get a blocked shot. .”
With Derek Lively II and Maxi Kleber sidelined, Washington has played the No. 5 spot more often, something he hasn't done as much since being traded to Dallas, but during his time with the Charlotte Hornets. had a lot going on. Washington considers himself a mismatch because his quickness is a problem for centers, while his size is a problem for smaller defenders.
“I love it. I feel like I'm out of place,” Washington said. “At the beginning of the season, when I was in Charlotte, a lot of big players were playing with me in the five. I felt like it was easy to score goals and make plays in that position. I'm comfortable playing in, I'm comfortable playing in 'no matter what coach puts me in.' ”
While he's already a key piece of the defensive composition, he continues to increase his offensive impact as Washington's perimeter shots fall more frequently. With the Mavs, he averaged 12.1 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists while shooting 42.8 percent from the floor and 32.7 percent from deep. However, he contributes more defensively than the box score, averaging 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks per game.
