The Dallas Mavericks stole Game 3 away from the Oklahoma City Thunder and now lead the series 2-1. Both Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving balled out as usual. However, it was PJ Washington that turned out to be the hero in this contest. After the game, Washington opened up about his big performance.
PJ Washington has been more of a role player throughout his career but has emerged as a top producer ever since being traded to Dallas. It's been a long time coming but the Mavericks' forward claims he's been “waiting” to find this type of success in the NBA, per Dorothy J. Gentry of NABJ Sports.
Washington has seemingly found a role with the Mavericks and looks like a solid third option behind Doncic and Irving. The Thunder mistakenly left him open throughout Game 3 and it sounds like Kyrie Irving is loving every second of it, according to ClutchPoints' very own Joey Mistretta.
“He's open for a reason, right, that was part of their game plan. So we have to make them pay for that… Keep that right elbow tucked when he's shooting those threes because it looks beautiful.”
The veteran power forward finished the game as the Mavericks' leading scorer. He ended up with 27 points, six rebounds, and two assists. He shot 5-12 from three-point range, making him the most efficient scorer for Dallas from beyond the arch. If he keeps this up then Dallas could potentially upset the Thunder in the NBA Playoffs.
How the Mavericks beat the Thunder in the NBA Playoffs
The Mavericks are just two wins away from advancing in the NBA Playoffs but the Thunder won't go down without a fight. The good news is that Dallas has stolen home-court advantage away from Oklahoma City. Especially if they can earn a victory in Game 4. But this team is going to have to remain focused if they hope to pull off the upset.
To do that, both Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic have to remain on point. They've both looked fantastic, especially in this series. Maintaining that consistency will go a long way in the Mavericks' hopes of winning a title.
However, the supporting cast has to play at a high level as well. They've been balling out as a group throughout the postseason so far. Especially PJ Washington who looks like the third scoring option behind Irving and Doncic. But guys like Dereck Lively III and Tim Hardaway Jr. must continue playing well too.
The Mavericks have put themselves in a great position to pull off another upset. Game 4 tips off on Monday, May 13 and they have a chance to take a commanding 3-1 lead over the Thunder. Look for the entire team to continue playing well as Dallas hopes to win its first championship since 2011.
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