Dallas Mavericks' P.J. Washington Thriving in Playoff Setting, 'Alleviating Pressure' for Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving
Before the Western Conference semifinals began, many believed both Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving would have to play at their highest level for the Dallas Mavericks to defeat the young, top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. However, despite Doncic battling through a knee sprain and Irving's offense being selective in the first half of games, two-way forward P.J. Washington's performances have put Dallas over the top so far.
In a crucial 105-101 Game 3 win on Saturday, Washington led the Mavs with 27 points while shooting 11-23 from the field and 5-12 from 3-point range. This came just 48 hours after he matched Doncic's 29 points in a Game 2 win while knocking down seven 3s.
“[I’m] just trying to attack mismatches, take open shots and be aggressive on both ends of the floor. I thought my teammates did a great job of finding me. I just try convert for them," Washington said. “They believe in me in the corner, so I just try to take my time and knock them down. It’s open shots. I just take them with confidence. I’ve been working on them. That’s all I’m doing honestly.”
Although Doncic and Irving haven't yet had crazy offensive outbursts at the same time during this series, the pressure to do so has been 'alleviated' by Washington stepping up when the lights have been brightest.
"P.J.'s been spectacular since he got here. I think he's been able to find his niche, find his role and accept that he's somebody we need to go to in this series to be effective," Irving said of Washington after Game 3. "Once we threw it down to him in the post and got him some opportunities on the three-point line, he's been doing well with the reps that he's been getting, the attempts that he's been getting and alleviating a lot of pressure off of me and Luka and the rest of the guys on the team.
"Whenever guys can step up like that, especially in a playoff environment, it works well for us. When our whole team is playing well and other guys are stepping up, the game is beautiful to not only watch but be a part of as a competitor."
Added Doncic: "He was hitting the corners. He made five 3’s today. Amazing though. He’s been aggressive [and] shooting with confidence. We believe in him.”
Washington now has six playoff wins with the Mavs, which is twice the number of playoff wins the Charlotte Hornets—the team that traded him to Dallas in February—have had over the last 22 years. He's taking full advantage of his opportunity and having fun while doing it.
“It’s been great," Washington said of playing in the playoffs for the first time in his career. "[I’m] trying to be aggressive every single night. Credit to my teammates for putting me in great spots to be successful. For me, it’s just all fun and games. I’ve been waiting to get here my whole career, so I’m enjoying each and every second of it.”
The Mavs and their fan base are enjoying each and every second of it as well, and if Washington's recent production proves to be sustainable, Dallas could be well on its way to a second Western Conference Finals appearance in three years, if not more.
