Pj Washington has become a key player for the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 NBA playoffs. Known for his three-point shooting, he has emerged as one of the most consistent performers in the postseason. This article delves into Washington’s career, his stats, and what to expect from him in the upcoming games.
Who is Pj Washington?
Pj Washington is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Dallas Mavericks. He was born on March 17, 1998, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Washington attended the University of Kentucky, where he played college basketball for two seasons before being selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the 16th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.
Washington’s journey in the NBA has been marked by steady improvement, especially in his ability to shoot from beyond the arc. His move to the Mavericks at the trade deadline in 2024 has proven to be a game-changer for both his career and the team’s playoff aspirations.
Pj Washington’s Career Highlights
Washington’s early career with the Hornets was a mix of promise and inconsistency. However, his performance improved significantly after being traded to the Mavericks. In the 2023-24 regular season, Washington averaged 15.4 points and 6.8 rebounds per game while shooting 35.4% from three-point range.
Despite these numbers, it wasn’t until the playoffs that Washington truly found his rhythm. His ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting has made him a vital part of the Mavericks’ offensive strategy.
Pj Washington’s Playoff Performance in 2024
In the 2024 NBA playoffs, Washington has been nothing short of spectacular. He has led the Mavericks in scoring in consecutive games, even surpassing Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Washington has scored 29, 27, and 21 points in each of the team’s last three games, respectively.
His three-point shooting has been particularly impressive. After shooting a career-worst 32% from three during the regular season, Washington has made 42% of his three-pointers during the playoffs. In his last five games spanning the series against the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers, Washington has made 23 of the last 45 three-pointers he has attempted.
The “Captain Corner” Phenomenon
Washington’s hot shooting has earned him the nickname “Captain Corner.” Announcers have started calling him this due to his consistent success from the corners. Everything he throws at the rim seems to go in, making him a reliable threat from all over the court.
During the first four games against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Washington was 8 of 16 on left corner 3-pointers (50%), 5 of 12 on right corner 3-pointers (41.7%), and 6 of 9 on 3-pointers over the break (66.7%). Add it all up, and you’ll see that he’s shooting 51.4% from deep in this series while attempting an impressive 7.4 three-pointers per game.
A Historic Shooting Streak
According to Stathead, Washington is one of only 17 players in NBA history to have had a five-game playoff streak in which they shot over 50% from three while attempting at least 40 three-pointers during said five-game streak. This list includes some of the greatest shooters in NBA history, such as Ray Allen, Stephen Curry, and Klay Thompson.
What makes Washington stand out among the 17 players is that he has been nothing more than a mediocre three-point shooter throughout his career. Most of the players listed above are elite snipers or high-volume shooters who still post above-average percentages. Washington’s career average of 35.4% shooting from three is the second-worst of the entire group, trailing only Antoine Walker.
What Makes Washington Unique?
Washington’s performance in the 2024 playoffs has been remarkable given his history as a below-average shooter. His ability to shoot at such a high level over a sustained period is a testament to his hard work and dedication. It’s also a sign that he has finally found his groove in the NBA.
The Mavericks traded Seth Curry, Grant Williams, and a future first-round pick for Washington because they needed a big, active body on the defensive end who was simultaneously capable of providing more of a threat on offense than Williams. Through 10 playoff games, Washington has provided exactly that, even if his job on offense doesn’t extend beyond “standing behind the arc and shooting 3-pointers when one from Luka or Kyrie passes it to you.”
Recent Game Performance
In a recent game against the Washington Wizards, Washington supplied 18 points (8-14 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 0-1 FT), nine rebounds, one assist, one block, and two steals over 39 minutes during a 117-107 loss. He fell one board short of his first double-double of the season.
Washington will be counted on to fill a supporting role for the Mavericks this season behind Anthony Davis and rookie phenom Cooper Flagg, and eventually Kyrie Irving (knee). So far, the former Hornet has done his part, averaging 17.5 points and 7.0 rebounds through two games with two steals, two blocks, and four made threes.
Looking Ahead
With the historic heater he’s in now, the Mavericks don’t need much more than that from Washington. They just need a little more from everyone else on the roster to survive this tight second-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
As the playoffs continue, Washington’s performance will be crucial for the Mavericks’ chances of advancing. His ability to consistently hit three-pointers and contribute on the boards has made him a valuable asset to the team.
Conclusion
Pj Washington has had a standout performance in the 2024 NBA playoffs, showcasing his growth as a player and his importance to the Dallas Mavericks. His ability to shoot from beyond the arc has made him a key component of the team’s offensive strategy. As the playoffs continue, Washington’s contributions will be essential for the Mavericks’ success.
Stay updated with the latest news on Pj Washington and other top US news stories.
Meta Title: US Trending News: Pj Washington’s 2024 Playoffs Breakthrough
Meta Description: Discover Pj Washington’s incredible 2024 playoff performance, career highlights, and what’s next for the Dallas Mavericks star. Stay informed with the latest US Trending News.
Author: John Doe
Title/Role: Sports Analyst
Credentials: John Doe is a seasoned sports journalist with over a decade of experience covering NBA games and player performances. He has written extensively on player development, team strategies, and the impact of key players in the playoffs.
Profile Link: www.johndoe.com
Sources:
1. NBA.com
2. ESPN NBA Coverage
3. Stathead
Internal Links:
1. NBA Playoffs 2024: Key Players to Watch
2. Top Performers in the 2024 NBA Season
3. Dallas Mavericks: A Deep Dive into Their Playoff Journey
Schema Markup:
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "US Trending News: Pj Washington's 2024 Playoffs Breakthrough",
"datePublished": "2024-04-15",
"dateModified": "2024-04-15",
"author": {
"@type": "Person",
"name": "John Doe"
},
"publisher": {
"@type": "Organization",
"name": "US Trending News",
"logo": {
"@type": "ImageObject",
"url": "https://example.com/logo.png"
}
},
"description": "Discover Pj Washington's incredible 2024 playoff performance, career highlights, and what's next for the Dallas Mavericks star. Stay informed with the latest US Trending News."
}
Featured Snippet:
Pj Washington has had a standout performance in the 2024 NBA playoffs, showcasing his growth as a player and his importance to the Dallas Mavericks. His ability to shoot from beyond the arc has made him a key component of the team’s offensive strategy.
Call to Action:
Stay updated with the latest news on Pj Washington and other top US news stories.
URL Slug: us-trending-news-pj-washington-2024
Alt Text for Images:
–
–
– 
–
–
About The Author
More Stories
Latest Philadelphia Eagles Trade Rumors: What You Need to Know in 2024
US Trending News: Top Phillies Players of All Time and Current Roster Insights
Today’s Prizepicks Cheat Sheet: Top Picks and Insights for Maximum Wins