DHJ Quick Take: P.J. Washington Returns vs. Lakers
- The Defensive Anchor Returns: P.J. Washington has been cleared to return after a three-game absence due to illness, restoring the switchable, multi-positional defense Jason Kidd noted was sorely missed. With 1.1 blocks and 1.0 steals per game, Washington’s presence is the primary engine for a Dallas unit looking to stabilize after surrendering 138 points to Orlando.
- Restoring the “Next-Man-Up” Floor: While Washington’s 32% clip from deep has been a rollercoaster, his gravity is essential for Cooper Flagg. Having a veteran who can thrive in the “short roll” and the pick-and-pop forces defenses to stay out of the paint, giving Flagg and Brandon Williams the necessary spacing to operate.
- Stemming the Home Skid: Washington’s removal from the injury report marks the first time in weeks the Mavericks have their core defensive identity intact. Against a Lakers team that thrives on interior scoring, Washington’s ability to guard multiple positions is the prerequisite for Dallas to finally snap the 14-game losing streak at the AAC.
DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks will have a vital defensive piece back in the fold for Sunday night’s high-stakes matchup.
P.J. Washington has been removed from the injury report and is cleared to play against the Los Angeles Lakers after missing three games due to illness, the team announced.
What P.J. Washington Brings Back
Washington’s absence was acutely felt during the Mavericks‘ recent defensive struggles. The veteran forward had been playing some of his best basketball of the season before the illness sidelined him, a point Jason Kidd made explicitly in his pregame availability earlier this week.
“PJ was playing well — we lose him to illness, and he’s not back yet,” Kidd said. “We’ve always talked about a next-man-up mentality, and that’s what we’ve done for the last two years due to injury. A lot of guys have gotten opportunities and taken advantage of them.”
On the season, Washington is averaging 14.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists across 55 games. While his scoring provides a necessary secondary punch, his value is most evident on the defensive end. He is currently averaging 1.0 steals and 1.1 blocks per game, numbers that reflect a versatile, switchable defensive profile that has been difficult for Dallas to replace.
The Bigger Picture
His return gives Dallas a more complete defensive identity than it has possessed in weeks. With Marvin Bagley III also listed as probable, the Mavericks are finally seeing their frontcourt rotation stabilize.
Washington’s ability to operate in the pick-and-roll alongside Cooper Flagg and Brandon Williams gives Kidd additional lineup combinations to combat the Lakers’ size. His presence will be particularly crucial as Dallas attempts to snap a franchise-record 14-game home losing streak.
Caleb Martin, Kyrie Irving, and Dereck Lively II remain out for Sunday’s contest.
Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. CT at American Airlines Center.
More Dallas Mavericks Coverage Before Facing the Los Angeles Lakers
- Marvin Bagley III Trending Toward Return As Dallas Mavericks Prepare For Los Angeles Lakers
- ‘They’re A Right-Handed Team’: Jason Kidd Wants Dallas Mavericks To Play Fast, Rebound Against Free-Throw-Hungry Orlando Magic
- ‘I Was Not Part Of The Process’: Jason Kidd Addresses Luka Dončić Trade, Mark Cuban Comments
- ‘He’s Given Me That Confidence’: Cooper Flagg Credits Jason Kidd For Playmaking Evolution
- ‘Mentally Taxing’: Cooper Flagg Opens Up On Weight Of Losing Dallas Mavericks Season
- Dallas Mavericks’ Jason Kidd Responds To Mark Cuban’s Latest Comments On Luka Dončić Trade: ‘When Are We Going To Move On?’
- ‘Guys Aren’t On The Same Page’: Cooper Flagg Posts 12th Double-Double As Dallas Mavericks Lose 123-99 To Milwaukee Bucks, Injuries Pile Up
