“Not Afraid Of Anything”: P.J. Washington, Who Stood Between Luka Doncic & Clippers Swarm, Gets Coach Kidd’s Praise

PJ Washington impacted Dallas Mavericks‘ Game 3 win over the Los Angeles Clippers in his true fashion. As Kyrie and Luka battled through the tough and pesky Clippers’ tactics, he displayed exactly why he fits the Mavs module. During Luka Doncic‘s brief alteration with the Clippers’ bench, PJ stood between his superstar teammate and the Clips, albeit while staring at them with a mean look. His staunch glimpse came after Terance Mann “was mad” due to his constant gazing at LA’s bench. In response, “I decided to look at it again,” PJ said in the post-game interview.

Even though Washington was ejected after a scuffle with Russell Westbrook, the Clips energizer bunny, he had already left his impact on the game. PJ had touched his season average of 10 points and 5 rebounds before his exit, alongside a block and 3 steals. With that, head coach Jason Kidd applauded the wing’s all-around presence, citing, “P.J.’s been great. He’s not afraid of anything. He competes at a high level.” Moreover, hinting at the camaraderie Washington shares with the locker room crew, Kidd adds, “He’s been a big part of this team since he’s been here, and you can see that he’s comfortable.”

“I wanted to get my flicks right for after the game,” PJ hilariously reasoned for his mocking response to the entire Clippers. While it radiates PJ’s courage and his backing for his teammates, it also, like Kidd summarized, displayed his home-like comfort in Dallas.

PJ Washington’s impact on the Dallas Mavericks

PJ Washington came to Dallas Mavericks near the midseason trade deadline. He gave them exactly want they needed to mark a dominant season-ending run, the defensive tenacity they lacked and expected to make up for with an experienced Grant Williams.

PJ’s athleticism and quickness makes him a versatile defender. It gives him an edge in closeouts, with an option to make immediate switches. He also gives Dallas a dependable option to either fall back on PnRs or step up.

On offense, he acts as a space creator for Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic. Despite a low 31.2% three ball shooting, he has the ability to make timely shots. Moreover, he can drive to the lane and exploit mismatches in the post, forcing defenses to stick by his side at all times.

Additionally, apart from spearheading the hustle plays, like in Game 3, PJ understands his role on the Mavs roster. He has slowly become Dallas’ third point of offense, posting 13 points and 6 rebounds in the ongoing series (2 steals and 1.3 blocks) while shooting 47% from the floor.