In an NBA regular season game that ended this morning, the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Golden State Warriors 108-106, ending their opponent's six-game winning streak and claiming their 13th win in the last 15 games. So far, their record has reached 47 wins and 30 losses, and they continue to be in the top five in the West.
In Doncic's absence, Irving continued his recent excellent athletic form, contributing 26 points on 9-of-19 shooting, eight rebounds and seven assists in the 42 minutes he played.
However, he was not the brightest star of the game, as his team-mate, 25-year-old striker PJ Washington, was clearly the better performer.
In the whole game, Washington played 40 minutes, hitting 12 of 18 shots, 5 of 8 from beyond the three-point line, he not only contributed a team-high 32 points, but also had 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals and 2 blocks, shooting 66.7% from the field, and 5 of 8 three-pointers. He was both offensive and defensive in key moments, not only making consecutive steals on the defensive end, but also playing efficient scoring and assists on the offensive end. Especially in the final moments of the game, Washington's steady play helped the Mavericks maintain their lead and eventually win the game.
The addition of Washington, along with the arrival of Gafford has significantly boosted the Mavericks' combat effectiveness. Since the addition of these two players, the Mavericks' record has improved significantly. Prior to that, the Mavericks had a 29-23 record, and since they joined, the team has an 18-7 record. Especially in the last 15 games, the Mavericks have achieved an excellent record of 13 wins and 2 losses.
Especially Washington, although when he first joined the team, he seemed to be in a hurry and could not integrate into the team's offensive and defensive system, but after entering April, the situation has improved significantly, in the last four games, Washington can average 20.8 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists per game, the overall shooting rate is as high as 53.6%, and the three-point shooting rate is an astonishing 51.6%.
In Doncic's absence, the win showcased the Mavericks' deep roster depth and their potential in the playoffs. If they can continue their recent good performances, they definitely have a chance to compete for the championship this season.