Washington's career-best performance ignites hope as injuries sideline stars, showcasing his vital offensive and defensive contributions.
HOUSTON — P.J. Washington has quickly become the steadying presence the Dallas Mavericks have needed as injuries continue to mount.
Despite a 110–102 loss to the Houston Rockets on Monday night at Toyota Center, Washington delivered his strongest performance of the season, tying his career high for points in a double-double effort. He finished with 29 points on 11-of-20 shooting, 12 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block in 34 minutes — leading a depleted Mavericks squad that played without Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Dereck Lively II.
The seventh-year forward has quietly been one of the Mavericks’ most consistent players early in the season. Through seven games, Washington is averaging 15.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists while shooting efficiently and logging a team-high 34.1 minutes per game. His growing production has come at a time when Dallas has needed a frontcourt scorer capable of creating offense inside and spacing the floor.
Washington’s performance in Houston reflected both his confidence and versatility. He attacked mismatches in the middle of the Rockets’ zone, scored twice in transition over Kevin Durant, and powered through contact to generate trips to the free-throw line. His 12 rebounds were also a season high and helped keep Dallas within striking distance before Houston’s late surge.
“They were in a zone,” Washington said. “I was just trying to attack the little guy. I’m very comfortable in the middle of the zone, so I was just trying to be aggressive. My teammates need me to be aggressive, so that’s what I tried to do.”
Washington has built a reputation for doing whatever is needed to keep his team competitive. He’s one of the few Mavericks players to appear in every game so far, and his workload has expanded as the roster has shifted around injuries. In addition to serving as a primary scorer, Washington has been tasked with defending multiple positions, often matching up with opposing forwards and centers.
Head coach Jason Kidd praised Washington’s composure and energy during what has been a challenging start to the year for the team.
“He did a great job playing in the middle of the zone,” Kidd said. “He was aggressive, got to the free-throw line, and played both sides of the ball. We ask him to guard everyone and score, and he’s doing both. He was definitely a bright spot.”
While the Mavericks have now dropped three straight and sit at 2–5, Washington’s consistent play offers one of the few positives amid early-season adversity. His 29-point outing tied for the most points he’s ever recorded in a double-double, matching a career milestone from last season when he logged 29 points and 12 rebounds in Oklahoma City.
“I think we’re starting to make more shots and play together better,” Washington said. “Obviously, we didn’t get the outcome we wanted, but things are moving in the right direction offensively. Defensively, we’ve got to be better. Too many points in the paint and way too many fouls.”
The Mavericks will return home Wednesday to host the New Orleans Pelicans. With Davis and Irving still recovering, Dallas will continue to rely on Washington’s blend of scoring, rebounding, and leadership to help stabilize a rotation still searching for balance.