DALLAS — PJ Washington has been a tireless contributor to the Dallas Mavericks' postseason run. He has averaged 28.0 points per game in his past two performances, shooting 53.7 percent from the floor and 52.2 percent from beyond the arc. He was the team's leading scorer in both games and helped lead the Mavs to a 2-1 series lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Washington has made a huge impact on the Mavericks defensively since his arrival. Recently, his offensive contributions have greatly improved in the postseason. In 29 regular season games, he averaged 11.7 points, shooting 42.1% overall and 31.4% from deep. He improved to 14.6 points per game in the playoffs, shooting at a 47.6 percent clip overall and 41.4 percent from 3-point range.
Washington's performance with the Mavericks compensated for the Thunder's focus on acquiring superstars after he was traded from the Charlotte Hornets in the middle of the season, and trying to neutralize roll men by frequently rotating underdogs. This is a result of a combination of his greater comfort level in the role after being made to pay. Side-row defenders are fast. Defenses have forced him to take shots, especially as a weakside corner spacer, but he shot from those zones from 28-116 (24.1%) in the regular season to 16-35 this season. (45.7%) said they were thoroughly punished. postseason.
Observers may be used to Luka Doncic shaking off weak defenders before firing a no-look pass into the corner pocket, or Irving drawing two defenders before quickly finding a teammate. However, it takes time to fully get used to and convert to these sequences. High clip. New teammates will have to adapt to elements as unpredictable as the defense faces.
“I think it's just timing, just knowing when the pass is going to come and obviously when you play with good players like Kyrie and Luka, you never know what you can expect from them.” Washington told Mavericks Game Day.
When comparing his current performance to his initial comfort level, Washington explained how he was never as ready as he is now. He has a good understanding of when Doncic and Irving want to pass and how the ball will get to him in the flow of the offense.
“The first few games, we obviously couldn’t do it.” [know what to expect]”I wasn't ready for any of that,” Washington told Mavericks GameDay. Take a photo. So, just knowing things like that, for sure. ”
It's very likely that the Thunder will adjust how they approach Washington and how they think about sending in low defenders early to help in the paint. If they start forcing him off the line more aggressively, he's ready to counter by attacking downhill to get to the finish or using a right-handed floater played with both feet. He's looking forward to the paint opening up as a result.
“I feel like people finish, so obviously if I don't shoot the ball well, they're not going to come close,” Washington told Mavericks Gameday. “Now I can shoot the ball better. They close up hard and try to force me off the line, which spreads everything out in the paint. I just take what's given to me and I'm just trying to be.'' I'm also aggressive about it. ”
The Mavericks' recent emphasis on Washington's involvement in the offense has been to run early plays and get him out on post touches. This was a notable element of the offense in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals, given the Thunder's tendency to hide weak perimeter defenders in him and Derrick Jones Jr. rather than putting them in Doncic or Irving. Ta. Washington often relied on his size and short-range touch to make plays.
From a player's perspective, seeing shots go through the hoop makes it easier to get into a rhythm of shooting beyond the arc, even if it's in the paint or in the post. Even if your 3-point shot is of high quality, it can be difficult to go into a game and expect to make it most of the time and convert at a high clip.
“Once you know the ball is going in and you're going to make the shot, it's a lot easier,” Washington told Mavericks GameDay. “Obviously, coming in just hitting threes is honestly one of the hardest things in this game. Being able to hit layups and post-ups and things like that in the paint warms you up and makes the threes. I feel so much better when I can hit it.”
During his career with the Hornets, Washington showed the ability to produce dynamic scoring outbursts, including scoring a career-high 43 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center last season. It's only been a few months since he made his debut with the Mavericks, so it's still an ongoing process, but he's feeling more comfortable attacking and is reaping the benefits.
“I think I'm growing every game. I'm getting more comfortable,” Washington told MavericksGameday. “My teammates have more confidence in me.”
Washington understands the value of reading how the defense works together and making simple plays instead of complicating the game. He takes pride in attacking within the flow of the offense, whether it's re-driving a closeout or catching a ball-watching defender and countering with a cut.
“I'm just trying to attack wherever I think is appropriate. Whenever the defense turns around, I'm just trying to make a play or cut or do something easy,” Washington said. told MavericksGameday.com. “It's simple when you think about it, but the most important thing is to keep it simple and not overthink anything.”
As the Mavericks look to take a 3-1 series lead against the Thunder in Monday's Game 4, Washington remains an integral part of Dallas getting there.
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