P.J. Washington on Strong Return from Suspension in Mavericks’ Loss to Kings: “I’m Not Backing Down to Nobody”
P.J. Washington returned from his one-game suspension with a standout performance. However, the Dallas Mavericks couldn’t hold off the Sacramento Kings in a 110-100 loss Monday night at Golden 1 Center.
Washington scored a season-high 28 points and drilled four consecutive three-pointers in the first quarter, providing a spark for the shorthanded Mavericks. Despite his efforts, Dallas was outscored 54-40 in the second half as Sacramento mounted a comeback behind De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.
The Mavericks (20-13) entered the game without Luka Dončić (left calf strain), Kyrie Irving (right shoulder soreness), Klay Thompson (illness), Dereck Lively II (left hip contusion), and Danté Exum (right wrist surgery). Spencer Dinwiddie led all scorers with 30 points, while Washington added 19 of his 28 in the first quarter.
“I was just trying to be aggressive, getting open shots and just taking them with confidence,” Washington said. “I got tired a little through the game. That’s on me, though. I gotta be better. For the most part, I thought we played hard.”
Reflecting on the Suspension
Washington’s return followed a one-game suspension for shoving Jusuf Nurkić during Thursday’s matchup against the Phoenix Suns. Reflecting on the incident, Washington expressed surprise at the league’s decision but maintained that his actions were in defense of teammate Naji Marshall.
Marshall was struck across the face by Nurkić, prompting him to throw a punch. Washington intervened, pushing Nurkić to the floor.
“I didn’t feel like I tried to do anything maliciously. I just tried to protect my teammate, and that was it,” Washington said. “I guess he was frustrated. I’m not sure. I don’t really know what was said. But if something like that happens with my teammate, I’m always going to be there for them. That’s just who I’ve been my whole life. I’m not backing down to nobody, and I don’t expect anybody on this team to do so either.”
Jason Kidd, Spencer Dinwiddie Praise P.J. Washington
Head coach Jason Kidd praised Washington’s performance and highlighted his shooting as a key factor in Dallas’ strong start. Washington tied his season-high with four made three-pointers and is shooting a career-best 39.8% from beyond the arc.
“I think he’s shown he can shoot the three last year,” Kidd said. “Tonight, he shot the 3 well for us. He got us off to a great start. We played to him as much as we could, and he responded with a positive game.”
Dinwiddie echoed Kidd’s sentiments, emphasizing Washington’s versatility and ability to blend into different lineups.
“I think he’s the lynchpin in terms of he blends lineups well,” Dinwiddie said. “Being able to play a 3/4. He allows us to play big or play small. You can even get a look at him at the small ball 5.”
Sacramento Kings Rally to Overcome Dallas Mavericks
Dallas opened the game shooting 7-of-8 from three-point range, leading 37-23 after the first quarter. However, momentum shifted when Keon Ellis hit a buzzer-beating three to close the frame, energizing Sacramento. The Kings chipped away, narrowing the gap to four at halftime and overtaking Dallas in the third quarter.
Fox finished with 33 points, while Sabonis contributed 17 points, 16 rebounds, and seven assists. Sacramento held a decisive 58-36 rebounding advantage, including 18 offensive boards, leading to 17 second-chance points.
“For sure, plays like that change the momentum,” Washington said. “The crowd got into it a little bit. They got an easy bucket, and it’s just the little things moving forward we have to (work) on.”
Looking Ahead
The Mavericks continue their road trip in Houston on Wednesday, hoping to rebound from back-to-back losses. Dončić is expected to miss extended time, leaving Dinwiddie and Washington to shoulder the load.
“He’s our best player,” Washington said. “Trying to win games without him is going to be tough, but at the end of the day, next man up mentality. Everybody gotta come in and work.”
Dallas is 19-7 this season with Washington in the lineup but is just 1-7 without him. On a night when the rest of the starting lineup was sidelined, he showed his ability to reach extra gear and his value as an all-around player.
