Mavericks unleash unstoppable version of P.J. Washington with simple change

The Dallas Mavericks won their first game of the season on Sunday night, as they beat the Toronto Raptors 139-129. The team played balanced basketball, and multiple players stepped up in a much-needed win at home. One player who played a big part was P.J. Washington. The Dallas forward has demonstrated his versatility in the past three games, transitioning into multiple roles.

Recently, Washington has proved how difficult it is to bench him, as he has started all three games for Dallas in Jason Kidd's new big lineup. He has shown his worth during that time span, averaging 17.5 points per game and shooting 54.5 percent overall. He has been the Mavs' muse, scoring from all angles, and has been a key secondary ball handler and playmaker.

One thing that has stuck out is Washington's ability to score inside the paint. He has done a tremendous job using his big frame to fight for shots inside, while also getting to the free-throw line. His new offensive aggressiveness has kept the Mavs' offense afloat and allowed the team to score much-needed shots. It's no wonder Washington received a contract extension over the summer, as he continues to develop his game each season and is slowly turning himself into someone that Dallas can't survive without.

P.J. Washington's finishing inside has been unstoppable

Last offseason, Washington became a solid shooter, as he retooled his jump shot to improve his outside shooting. He shot 38.1 percent from the 3-point line last season and had multiple months where he shot above 40 percent from beyond the arc. It was evident his new tool was key to him remaining a key piece in the Mavs' rotation and becoming a long-term fit.

Fast forward to this season, and it seems Washington added another tool to his offensive game. Washington has been aggressive in attacking the paint in the past three games. He has done a great job using his footwork to evade defenders and then bodying them anytime that they are in his way in the lane. This was extremely evident against the Raptors on Sunday.

In multiple instances this season, Washington could be seen attacking the rim and then using a Euro step to score inside. This has made him a deadly force in the paint, as it tricks defenders into a bind. His juke allows him to either body his way in for a bucket or draw the foul.

For example, look at the video above. Washington does well at fighting for a better shot inside the paint, then using his strength and touch to get the bucket and the foul. He doesn't need to be an everyday 3-point threat and can score on defenders in multiple ways.

Washington struggled shooting the ball Sunday, as he shot 33.3 percent from the 3-point line. This is the nice part of his game, though; he doesn't need to be a solid shooter offensively. Washington can score on opponents in a variety of ways. His bump layup inside is one of the many tools he can use.

So, whether he is in the starting lineup or not, Washington has proven his worth. He could find himself in the running for the Sixth Man of the Year award if Kidd moves him to the bench, as he can do a variety of things with the ball. Not to mention, Washington is an established defender who can get things done on both sides of the ball.

Now, all Washington needs to do is continue playing at an elite level. He is having a great start to the season, scoring in multiple ways, especially inside in transition. Dallas will need him to be on his "A" game Monday when they host the 2025 NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder, a team Washington is very familiar with.