Dallas Mavs X-Factor P.J. Washington 'Excited' for NBA Playoffs: 'We're Hungry'

With the NBA playoffs less than two weeks away, Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington is excited about the challenge of facing the star-studded Los Angeles Clippers

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Mavericks still have two regular-season games left on their schedule, but they already know they'll be facing Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, James Harden and Russell Westbrook's Los Angeles Clippers when the NBA playoffs begin on April 20.

Dallas is riding a wave of success heading into the postseason, winning 16 of its last 18 games while having the league's No. 1 defense during that span. The Mavs are currently the No. 5 seed with a chance to capture home-court advantage if they win their last two games and the Clippers lose their last two games.

Following a 111-92 blowout win over the Miami Heat on a second night of a back-to-back on the road, Mavs forward P.J. Washington, who has been an X-factor since coming over in a trade from the Charlotte Hornets in February, spoke about his team's defensive efforts.

Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

“Just having pride on that end and being physical," Washington said. "We try to come into every game and bring physicality. Everybody has done a great job of that and being able to talk on that end and being able to switch. I feel like we can pretty much do everything defensively.”

Even when Washington's shot wasn't falling immediately following the trade, his defensive versatility provided an instant spark for a Mavs team that previously lacked frontcourt size. Now, though, Washington is becoming more comfortable on the offensive end of the floor as well, as he's averaging 14.7 points and 7.3 rebounds while shooting 40.0 percent from deep over his last 10 games.

In the previous two times the Mavs played the Clippers in the playoffs, Luka Doncic didn't have near as much help on both sides of the floor as he does now. With Kyrie Irving, Daniel Gafford, Derrick Jones Jr., Dereck Lively II, Washington and others joining Doncic this time around, Dallas' confidence is higher than it has ever been.

“For us, we have a goal and nothing is going to stop that," Washington said. "So for us, that’s our main focus no matter who we’re playing. We’re always hungry and excited for the next opportunity to go out there and play.”