Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington has earned widespread praise from his coaching staff and teammates for his high-motor play and defensive tenacity early in the NBA season. Following a grueling 41-minute performance, Mavericks coach Dusty May commended Washington’s focus and hustle on both ends of the floor.
“I think P.J.’s been great in stretches every game. For him to play 41 minutes tonight, and I haven’t reviewed the film, but I would say 39 of them were like really intentional, focused, determined to do whatever it takes to win,” May said after the game. The coach highlighted Washington’s knack for securing crucial loose balls throughout the contest, including a pivotal late possession, alongside a vital three-pointer and physical play in the paint.
Entering Monday’s action, Washington had averaged 14.0 points and 7.0 rebounds through his first three games of what marks his eighth NBA season.
Teammates have also taken note of the veteran’s leadership. Zaccharie Risacher, the top overall pick in the 2024 draft currently playing in his third NBA season, noted that he frequently looks to Washington for guidance. “P.J. is great. He’s a dog too. I feel like he’s a great leader. And as a young guy, you want to follow his lead, follow his example,” Risacher said, praising Washington’s defensive escalation and open-minded willingness to answer questions.
Rookie standout Cooper Flagg echoed those sentiments, pointing to Washington and fellow frontcourt player Daniel Gafford as the foundational pillars of the team’s defense. Gafford recorded 8 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks against Oklahoma City before fouling out of the contest.
“P.J. has been doing a lot for us [on] the defensive end, he’s been asked to take on some pretty tall tasks,” Flagg said. “So I think he’s done an incredible job, just doing whatever he can [to] help our team win. P.J. has been knocking his shots, doing what he does on the offensive end. But defensively, he’s been our anchor with him and Gaff, and they’ve been holding down the fort.”
Flagg emphasized that collective stepping up from Washington, Risacher, and Gafford has been instrumental in elevating the squad’s overall performance. Holding a 2-2 record, Dallas will look to maintain that defensive momentum when they host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday at the American Airlines Center, with tip-off scheduled for 8:30 p.m. CT.
