P.J. Washington's 3 bold goals will propel Mavericks back to the Finals

The Dallas Mavericks are set to begin their season in less than a week. The team heads into the year with many headlines as they look to make another Finals appearance. The biggest story was the acquisition of Klay Thompson and his development with Dallas.

He lived up to expectations in his first preseason game as he backed up his bold Media Day claim. Thompson mentioned that he was the same player who wasn't afraid to knock down open 3-pointers. In his first preseason game with Dallas, Thompson shot 60 percent from long range and scored 10 points in 18 minutes of action.

While he struggled during his second game, Thompson bounced back nicely on Thursday. The newest Mav scored 11 points and shot 42.9 percent from the 3-point line. His performance put the Mavs fans' worries at ease. He looks ready to take over the wing position in the team's opening game.

Washington's goals will be key to Mavs making another deep playoff run

One player rejuvenated to help Dallas make another Finals run is P.J. Washington. The Mavs' starting forward expressed his desire to help the team get back to the promised land, and he always speaks of the Mavs glowingly.

Recently, he listed three of his biggest goals for the season in an appearance at Raising Cane's in Dallas.

3. Shoot 40 percent from beyond the 3-point line

P.J. Washington's shooting will play a key role in the team's offensive success this season. This is especially critical when it comes to his 3-point shot. Last season, Washington shot a career-low 32 percent from downtown. This was a dip from his career average of 35.4 percent.

Washington's numbers drastically improved in the playoffs when he converted 34.8 percent of his long-range attempts. His 3-point shot helped Dallas advance to the Western Conference Finals. Against the Oklahoma City Thunder, he shot 46.9 percent from the 3-point line.

His best performance came in Game 1 and Game 2 when he shot above 60 percent from behind the arc. In Game 2, Washington made seven of his 11 3-point attempts and scored a playoff-high 29 points.

This was a step up from his shooting during his first full month with the team. Washington shot 28.7 percent from the 3-point line in March. He struggled heavily in his first games, converting less than 25 percent of his attempts.

Washington has converted 35.4 percent of his career 3-point attempts. His best season came in his second season when he made 38.6 percent of his threes.

It is very likely Washington could have a career season this year with the addition of Klay Thompson. Assuming defenses focus all their attention on Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Thompson, this could be a major benefit for Washington. Just imagine all the open shots he will have with the team's new offense.

His new jump shot could also be a key factor in helping him reach his 3-point goal of shooting above 40 percent from downtown. This is a feat he has never achieved in his career, but there's no better time to do it than right now.

2. Get Selected to an All-NBA Defensive Team

One obtainable goal for P.J. Washington is him wanting to make one of the All-NBA Defensive Teams. Most fans know Washington through his offensive skills. He is a terrific corner shooter, who isn't afraid to attack the offensive glass and play with physicality.

However, one thing that stands out is his ability to get under the opponent's skin and play great defense. In Game 3 of the Mavs' opening round, Washington demonstrated his ability to stand his ground. His aggressive tactics show his love for his teammates and his toughness as a defender as he "stood on business."

Since coming to Dallas, Washington has become a key part of the team's improved defense. He is one player not afraid to stick his nose where the ball is. He is a vital defender who can guard multiple positions. Washington is a well-balanced player who can guard players on the perimeter or inside the paint.

Last season, Washington averaged 1.2 steals and one block per game in his first season with Dallas. His best defensive performance came in the first two games of the Western Conference Finals. He averaged two blocks in both games. Washington set the tone early, blocking Minnesota's second attempt of the game.

It is very likely this could be his breakthrough season. He is the one Mav with the best shot at making an All-NBA Defensive Team. So far, he has recorded five steals in his two preseason games.

1. Mavericks win 55 games

P.J. Washington's final goal is for Dallas to win at least 55 games. This is very possible. The team made drastic strides this offseason that could easily push them to the top.

Last season, the Mavs won 50 games and finished with the fifth-best record in the Western Conference. Before acquiring Washington, Dallas sat with a 29-23 record remaining a borderline play-in team. They went 21-9 with Washington on their roster. The Mavs then made a deep playoff run, as Washington and Daniel Gafford became the team's difference makers.

This season looks to be different. Dallas added Klay Thompson, an excellent shooter who can create various opportunities for his teammates. The team also added Spencer Dinwiddie, Naji Marshall, and Quentin Grimes.

Washington hopes to learn and grow with the team's new core. He believes the team's new squad has the ability to win the NBA Finals.

He has been doing his part to help his dream come true. This summer Washington has been working to improve his ball-handling skills. This skill would be a huge addition to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, as it would take the pressure off the team's star players.

Now, its up to Washington and the rest of the squad to help make his goals come true.

Their journey to 55 wins starts on Thursday night against the San Antonio Spurs.