The 2024 NBA Finals projects to be one of the most thrilling series in recent memory as the Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics prepare to go head-to-head. Boston was the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference while Dallas entered the NBA postseason as the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference. However, the Mavs have played as if they have been the favorite in each of their playoff series so far.
In order to defeat the Celtics in the NBA Finals, the Mavs will need their stars to perform well. Dallas' success will begin with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. With that being said, the Mavs will have one specific battle they need to win.
PJ Washington vs. Derrick White
Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown. The four superstars in this series will unquestionably make a difference. Of course, the battle in the paint with Kristaps Porzingis expected to return from injury will be worth keeping an eye on.
However, the battle of PJ Washington vs. Derrick White could end up determining the winner of the series. Both players will likely be the X-factors for their teams.
White just missed earning an All-Star selection in 2023-24. He performed well nonetheless, averaging 15.2 points per game on 46.1 percent field goal and 39.6 percent three-point shooting. White also impacts the game on the defensive end of the floor, making him an all-around threat.
The same can be said about PJ Washington. Washington's regular season statistics do not stand out quite as much but he's stepped up during the postseason.
Washington averaged 11.7 points per outing after getting traded to the Mavericks before the deadline in February. He is averaging 13.6 points per game so far in the postseason, though. He's also shooting 43.2 percent from the field and 36.3 percent from deep in the playoffs.
And he also makes a major impact on defense.
If Washington out-performs White then Dallas will gain a huge advantage. PJ Washington will be the Mavericks X-factor in the 2024 NBA Finals.
PJ Washington receives praise
Washington, who grew up in Frisco, TX, is happy to be playing with his hometown team. He's already become a fan-favorite, and both past and present players have been impressed with the versatile forward.
“Well I think who is at hand is PJ Washington, I think that deal really put us over the top,” Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki said on The Big Podcast with Shaq. “I think we had a good team before, but getting PJ and Gaff (Gafford) at the trading deadline was an unbelievable move by the management. It gave us some depth, gave us length, and PJ has been incredible, and I think in Charlotte maybe at times, I don’t know if they wanted him to score too much or I’m not really sure what the problem was but here he’s just a perfect fit and match for the guys.
“He can make a shot, he brings toughness, and he brings defense and length, so he’s been super fun, and he’s here from Dallas, you know he grew up in Frisco.”
Whenever a legend like Nowitzki talks about you in such a positive way, it means you are doing something right. There is no question that Washington has played a pivotal role for the Mavs amid their NBA Finals run.
In the end, Washington probably will not win the NBA Finals MVP (although it is possible) if the Mavericks win the championship. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving will receive most of the attention. However, Dallas understands how important it will be to have Washington play well in the series.
If Dallas does end up winning, Washington will have likely enjoyed a great series.
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