BBNBA: PJ Washington is winning Playoff games for the Dallas Mavericks

In a series that features All-Stars Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and former Kentucky guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, it’s been PJ Washington who has tipped this series to one side.

During Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals on Saturday in Dallas, Washington poured in 27 points on 11-23 overall shooting, including a 5-12 mark from long range. This comes just two days after he finished with 29 points (on seven made triples) in a Game 2 win for the Dallas Mavericks. Washington struggled in Game 1 against Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder, but he’s a massive reason why the Mavericks are now leading the series.

Dallas won Game 3 by a final score of 105-101. Along with his 27 points (which included a dunk on Chet Holmgren), Washington chipped in six rebounds and two assists with zero turnovers in 40 minutes of action. Considering Doncic, who went for 22 points and 15 rebounds, continues to deal with a bum knee, the Mavericks have needed these performances from Washington in the worst way — but he’s stepped up to the challenge in back-to-back outings now.

“He’s hooping,” Gilgeous-Alexander said of Washington, his former Kentucky teammate. “We’ve got to turn that water off if we want to win this series, for sure.”

PJ Washington Jr. “I’ve been waiting to get here my whole career.” #Mavs pic.twitter.com/PlblIx3Kvc

— Dorothy J. Gentry (@DorothyJGentry) May 11, 2024

After a midseason trade shipped Washington from Charlotte to Dallas, he’s been a key piece to the Mavericks, especially into the postseason. Through nine playoff games, the 6-foot-9 forward is averaging 14.6 points and 6.1 rebounds per outing while shooting 47.6 percent from the field and an excellent 41.4 percent from deep on 6.4 attempts. OKC is giving him open shots and he’s knocking them down at an efficient clip.

Meanwhile, Gilgeous-Alexander — who finished second in the MVP race — still cashed in with 31 points (10-23 FG), 10 rebounds, six assists, five blocks, and one steal in 42 minutes. However, he turned the ball over five times and missed a three-pointer down the stretch that would have tied the ball game. Instead, the miss led to Irving hitting a runner that gave Dallas a five-point lead with under 40 seconds left.

Rookie guard Cason Wallace saw 14 minutes for the Thunder, finishing with three points (1-3 3PT) and one rebound. Game 4 on Monday will stick in Dallas. Tipoff is set for 9:30 p.m. EST on TNT/truTV.

5/11/24 statistics

Player	Score	PTS	FG (3PT)	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	+/-	MIN
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC)	105-101 L @ DAL	31	10-23 (2-3)	10	6	1	5	5	-9	42
PJ Washington (DAL)	105-101 W vs. OKC	27	11-23 (5-12)	6	2	0	0	0	5	40
Cason Wallace (OKC)	105-101 L @ DAL	3	1-3 (1-3)	1	0	0	0	0	0	14

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