BBNBA: PJ Washington leads Mavericks to series-tying victory over SGA, Thunder

With so many former ‘Cats in the NBA, it’s almost a given that there would be ‘Cat-on-‘Cat duels in the postseason. PJ Washington and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have met in the 2nd round of the playoffs, and their matchups have been everything but a disappointment.

In Game 1, the Thunder cruised past the Mavericks as Gilgeous-Alexander put up 29 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists in the win. Meanwhile, Washington’s 10 points, while they were solid, just couldn’t get the Mavericks over the hump.

However, Washington would put on his signature mean mug and practically will the Mavericks to a series-tying win of SGA and the Thunder in Game 2.

In 40 minutes of action on Thursday night, the former All-SEC selection scored 29 points on 11-18 (7-11 3PT) shooting while also recording 11 rebounds on the night. Gilgeous-Alexander had 33 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists himself, but it was the road team that came out on top.

All game long, Washington and SGA — former Kentucky teammates on the 2017-18 squad — were going back and forth. On one end of the floor, Gilgeous-Alexander would take Washington off the dribble and score in his face. Then, on the other end, Washington would back Gilgeous-Alexander down, using his imposing physicality against the smaller guard.

That's TUFF 🥶 pic.twitter.com/nksIX3W5Tm

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) May 10, 2024

Cason Wallace also got some good run under the playoff spotlight, scoring six points on 3-5 shooting for OKC.

5/9/24 Statistics

Player	Score	PTS	FG (3PT)	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	+/-	MIN
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC)	119-110 L vs DAL	33	13-24 (1-3)	12	8	1	2	2	-6	41
PJ Washington (DAL)	119-110 W vs OKC	29	11-18 (7-11)	11	4	2	1	2	9	40
Cason Wallace (OKC)	119-110 L vs DAL	6	3-5 (0-1)	3	1	2	0	0	-8	22

Tonight in the NBA Playoffs