In the NBA, every player aspires to be a thousand miles horse, and PJ Washington's performance in the Western Conference semifinals G2 proved himself to be the shining horse of the Mavericks.
In this key matchup, Washington played 40 minutes, handed over 11 of 18 shots, 7 of 11 three-point shots, and 0 of 1 free throws, and scored 29 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 1 block, which became the key factor for the team to overturn the Thunder.
Washington stood out on the offensive end, scoring key points for his team with efficient shooting and opening the scoring with seven accurate three-pointers. In modern basketball, the importance of the three-point shot is self-evident, it can quickly change the pace of the game, and it can bring a morale boost to the team at critical moments. Washington's three-point shot, like a sharp dagger, went straight to the heart of the Thunder, causing the opponent's defense to collapse in an instant.
When role players are able to shoot open three-pointers, Doncic and Irving, the two core superstars, will not be unscrupulously encircled by their opponents, and the team's offense will become a mercury.
On the defensive end, Washington's 11 rebounds well guaranteed the team's rebounding advantage, and won more offensive opportunities for the team at critical moments; 2 steals and 1 block, showing his aggressiveness even more. Washington's defense, like a solid defensive line for the team, allowed the opponent's offense to suffer repeated setbacks, and contributed to the team's victory.
Coach Kidd's strategy is still very clear, which is to maximize the size and confrontation advantages of the team and bully the size disadvantage of the Thunder Youth Army; Unlike in the previous game, the G2 Mavericks let their role players play first as soon as they came up, with Washington and Gafford taking advantage of their excellent physical attributes to score frequently, from the outside to the wider. The strategy quickly paid off, as Washington continued to shoot three-pointers, and Doncic was able to play a more comfortable offensive posture — teammates and himself fed back, reinforcing and complementing each other.
Washington became the team's hero in this game and made a lasting impression on the fans, playing what the fans expected him to be. The Mavericks team has found a real piece of "gold", and this "gold" has begun to shine on the court in Dallas. You know, Washington was not well-known during the Hornets period, and it wasn't until he joined the Mavericks in the middle of the season that he slowly played the strength of top 3D; And this Western Conference semifinals G2 has finally become a classic of his personal career, worthy of the trust of the team's management.
At this point, Maxima finally met Bole, Washington's top defense and good three-point shooting, which is a perfect match for Doncic and Irving's outstanding ball dominance ability. The Mavericks can have Washington, which is an unattainable thing, but this is only the beginning, far from the point of celebration, after all, this is only the Western Conference semifinals. The team is aiming for a championship, and if Washington can maintain that form in the rest of the game, the championship is also in sight.
We often say that winning on the road is the beginning of a series, the Thunder are far from that weak, and the Mavericks are not yet at the point of rest, and this round of the series is just starting to taste a little.