PJ Washington made his Mavericks debut and demonstrated his defensive prowess.
In the Dallas Mavericks’ decisive victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, the recent trade acquisitions of Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington played pivotal roles as game-changers. Making their debuts for the Mavericks, both players not only scored efficiently but also injected a significant burst of energy into the entire team.
Gafford showcased his impact in the paint, recording a block and securing four offensive rebounds, living up to his reputation as a formidable rim deterrent. Simultaneously, PJ Washington displayed an impressive defensive performance, particularly excelling against the prolific scorer Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Washington’s defensive prowess was evident in both the first and fourth quarters. Shortly after entering the game, he defended a pick-and-roll against Gilgeous-Alexander, exhibiting active hands to create a steal that led to a fast-break dunk. Washington continued to impress with his defensive efforts, staying in front of Gilgeous-Alexander and forcing difficult fadeaway shots. Despite a three-pointer by Thunder’s Chet Holmgren, Washington effectively denied access to the paint, showcasing his length and athleticism.
While Washington had a relatively quieter impact in the second and third quarters, he truly wreaked havoc in the fourth quarter as the Mavericks extended their lead. Matched up against Thunder guard Jalen Williams, Washington demonstrated exceptional defensive skills by closing out on three-point attempts and effectively preventing drives to the basket. In pick-and-roll situations, Washington aggressively hedged, contributing to steals and fast-break opportunities for the Mavericks.
A notable instance occurred when Washington faced Josh Giddey in a pick-and-roll, displaying defensive versatility by contesting without committing unnecessary fouls. Even in the closing moments of the game, with the outcome nearly decided, Washington continued to showcase his defensive tenacity. Switched onto Giddey in a pick-and-roll, Washington built a defensive wall, compelling Giddey into a desperate pass easily intercepted by Tim Hardaway Jr.
Overall, Washington’s debut with the Mavericks provided a glimpse of his potential impact on the defensive end. If he can consistently display such defensive prowess and leverage his athletic abilities, the trade for Washington could be considered a brilliant move for the team.
