P.J. Washington, Mavs Gain 3-2 Edge on Thunder
P.J. Washington's Stats Show Superb 3-Point Shooting
P.J. Washington
Paul Jamaine Washington Jr.
Dallas Mavericks
25
25 years
2.01m
United States
Power forward, Center
The Dallas Mavericks are on the brink of advancing to the Western Conference Finals, holding a pivotal 3-2 series lead on the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. Luka Doncic, of course, has been the main catalyst in their success. The five-time All-Star has ed two straight triple-doubles, including a 31-point, 11-assist, 10-rebound effort in a 104-92 win in Game 5.
Not to be overlooked, though, are P.J. Washington’s stats. The 6-foot-7 forward — acquired at the February trade deadline from Charlotte — has been an effective complement to the ball-dominant Doncic, averaging 19.4 points and 9.0 rebounds in the series. But that’s not all.
Here are the many ways in which Washington has stood out.
Connecting from Deep
P.J. Washington’s stats show he’s displayed a deft touch from the floor. He is shooting 48.7%, including 47.7% from 3-point range. He’s hit multiple 3s in six straight postseason games. Washington isn’t normally regarded as a specialist, though he did sink a respectable 32% of his attempts during the regular season.
Washington’s 3-point shooting has helped diversify the Mavericks’ offense, giving defenses another threat for which to . With so much attention paid to Doncic, that’s invaluable.
Washington’s biggest performance of the series came in Game 2 when he scored 29 points on the strength of seven treys. He also pulled down 11 rebounds, notching his first double-double since April 7. He’s since had two more double-doubles and added another 27 points in Game 3, per NBA players stats.
For the postseason, Washington is averaging 14.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.2 steals while shooting 45.8% (40.8% from 3).
As such, the Mavericks sit one win from their second conference finals appearance in three seasons. In 2022, they lost in five games to the Golden State Warriors.
Dallas’ Futures Growing
The Mavericks will have an opportunity to close out the Thunder when the series shifts back to Dallas for Game 6 on Saturday. Needing to win just one of the final two games on the Dallas Mavericks schedule to advance, the Mavericks have seen their odds grow. They are now +245 to win the West, up from +600 at the start of the second round. Only the Denver Nuggets, up 3-2 on the Minnesota Timberwolves, are bigger favorites at -130.
The Mavericks’ NBA title odds have also grown. They are currently +750 to win the Finals, the third shortest odds on the Indiana Pacers (+9000) all face longer odds.
Keep in mind, the Mavericks were +2500 before the season.
Game 5 at a Glance
With Game 6 back at American Airlines Center, oddsmakers are unsurprisingly giving the edge to Dallas. The Mavericks are 4-point favorites and -180 on the moneyline, with Oklahoma City +150 to win outright. The projected total is 210.
The Mavericks are also -360 favorites to win the series, compared to +290 for the Thunder.
The Mavericks have been among the NBA’s most profitable teams from a betting perspective, going 55-38 against the spread. Their 59.1% cover rate is the second highest in the league, behind only the Orlando Magic (61.8%). This postseason, they are 7-4 ATS and 4-7 against the Over/Under.
Keep those betting trends in mind when making your NBA picks.
For P.J. Washington’s stats, betting analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
