Mavs' Washington: Defensive Dynamo Despite Shooting Slump

While P.J. Washington’s shooting numbers from beyond the arc have left much to be desired since joining the Dallas Mavericks at the NBA trade deadline, the 6-foot-7 forward has more than made up for it with his stellar defense.

Washington, acquired from the Charlotte Hornets in February, has struggled mightily to find his stroke from 3-point range with his new team. The 24-year-old is shooting just 25.3% from deep on over five attempts per game as a Maverick. His long-range woes have been particularly pronounced from the corners, where he has converted an anemic 16.1% of his tries.

However, any offensive deficiencies have been overshadowed by Washington’s impact on the defensive end of the floor. With his stout 230-pound frame and tremendous 7-foot-2 wingspan, the former Kentucky standout has been a versatile stopper capable of guarding multiple positions.

“P.J. has been huge for us on the defensive end,” said Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd. “He gives us size and length to match up with bigger wings and his ability to alter shots at the rim is special. He’s the kind of glue guy you need to make a deep playoff run.”

The numbers back up Kidd’s praise. In 18 games with Dallas, Washington is averaging 1.0 steals and 0.9 blocks, providing the Mavericks with a much-needed defensive presence in the paint and on the perimeter. His skill at using his length to contest without fouling has been particularly valuable.

While his wayward shooting has been a source of concern, Washington’s reputation as a career 35% shooter from deep suggests his cold spell is likely an aberration that will soon pass. In the meantime, his defense has more than justified his role as a key complementary piece alongside Dallas’ star backcourt of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

“Sure, I’d like to see the threes start falling more consistently,” said Washington. “But defense travels, and that’s where my focus is right now. If I can make things tough on the other team’s best guy every night, that’s going to pay big dividends for us down the stretch.”

For a Mavericks squad with championship aspirations, having a defensive stopper like Washington helps offset any temporary shooting woes. As long as he continues making his presence felt on that end of the floor, any slump seems a small price to pay.