Dallas Mavs' P.J. Washington Steps Up with 'Spectacular' Performance vs. Golden State Warriors

Mavs forward P.J. Washington had a "spectacular" performance against the Warriors by scoring 32 points and making a strong defensive impact.

Apr 5, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) celebrates with Dallas / Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

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 to set the tone but received a 32-point effort from teammate P.J. Washington to help push the Mavs to a 108-106 victory.

“He was spectacular,” Irving said of Washington. You could tell it was going to be a special night just based on how he started the game. That's what we need, especially when we don't have certain guys in the lineup, and we need that offensive firepower.”

Apr 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 he had to be aggressive to help fill the void left by Doncic's absence. As someone who had achieved five games scoring 30 or more points before his display against Golden State, including three 40-point performances, Washington was well-equipped to step up with his number being called.

"I try to pick and choose my spots and just try to attack early and often and put pressure on them," Washington said.

Washington's biggest bucket proved to be the game-winning shot. Irving passed out of a double team to Tim Hardaway Jr. at the top of the key, who passed up a clean look on the catch to attack downhill, leading to the dropoff pass to Washington in the paint for the catch and finish. With 4.1 seconds left in regulation. Dallas was up 108-106.

"Tim was driving and I thought he was gonna shoot it. So I just try to go in and get a rebound, Washington said. "You pass it to me and I just try to make a play and win the game."

The Mavs received a versatile scoring performance from Washington, who frequently scored in transition as a ball handler and a relief option on the finish. He converted on catch-and-shoot attempts at a high clip. However, he even made a few plays as a cutter, with Irving using his gravity as a cross-screener and attacking out of the corner on a handoff from Dwight Powell for a finish.

" I think he just picked his spots and took what the defense gave him," Irving said of Washington. "There's a little bit more aggressiveness that opportunities are there. So, I think he took full advantage of them."

After a rough three-game shooting stretch in mid-March, Washington has ramped up his offensive impact consistently, particularly over his previous six games — scoring in double figures in five of his last six performances. Washington has remained confident in his shooting ability, staying ready to knock down shots that come his way. He's averaged 17.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists over his previous six performances.

“Obviously, I haven’t really been making shots as of late, so for me just to see them go in is a great confidence booster,” Washington said. “Credit to all my coaches being in there with me every day and getting the work in. I’m just excited that we got a W tonight. I tried to pick and choose my spots and just tried to attack early and often and put pressure on them.”

Washington's teammates are confident in his abilities. Daniel Gafford was impressed with how Washington attacked the paint but praised the impact he provided defensively, even though scoring 32 points will command the most attention from observers.

“I felt like from the beginning of the game he was on it,” Gafford said. “Just seeing him just getting downhill and making shots that he works on (on) a day-to-day basis, I’ve become to see just what type of player he is at the end of the day, especially at the defensive end, not just necessarily at the offensive end. I didn’t even know he had 32 (points) until after the game. I’m like, ‘Oh my God.’ “

Gafford shed more light on Washington's defensive impact, praising him for making it a point to hold his own when containing the ball against tough matchups and being a needed relief option as an off-ball defender in help defense.

“He’s out there guarding, like I said, some of the best guards, some of the best forwards, and at the of the day we always just make sure we have his back. On the back line of the defense, I just see a lot of things that he does that really helps us defensively. He gives a lot of energy on the front line, and if anything gets past him, most of the time he recovers and tries to get a blocked shot, too.”

With Dereck Lively II and Maxi Kleber sidelined, Washington stepped in at the five spot more frequently, something he hadn't often done since being traded to Dallas but has done plenty during his time with the Charlotte Hornets. Washington views himself as a mismatch since his quickness is a problem for centers, while his size is an issue for smaller defenders.

"I love it. I feel like I'm a mismatch of that spot," Washington said. "Early in the season, when I was in Charlotte, I had a lot of bigger guys playing me at the five. It felt easy for me to score and playmaking that position. I'm comfortable playing that position and I'm comfortable playing whatever coach put me in."

As perimeter shots fall more frequently for Washington, he continues to elevate his offensive impact while already being an instrumental element of their defensive makeup. He's averaged 12.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists during his time with the Mavs despite shooting 42.8% from the floor and 32.7% from deep. However, he's also added an average of 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks per game with plenty other contributions defensively that go beyond the box score.