P.J. Washington reveals key to destroying Mavericks' reoccurring problem

The Dallas Mavericks entered the 2024-25 NBA season eager to silence critics that last season's run to the 2024 NBA Finals wasn't a fluke. The Mavericks are currently tied for first place along with the Memphis Grizzlies for the Southwest Division title lead.

However, even with being 3-2 and leading the division, and being fifth overall in the Western Conference still shows signs that something is still missing deeply with the team. Outside of their big three of Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson, the Mavericks have had struggles with getting anyone else on the team.

Newly acquired Quentin Grimes has struggled to find a consistent role yet along with Naji Marshall on offense, but Marshall has made up for his offensive struggles due to his defense. Jaden Hardy is also having a roller-coaster season of highs and lows already. One key reason why the Mavericks have been struggling so far this season is slow starts, and P.J. Washington revealed how Dallas can minimize coming out of the gates slow.

Washington says positivity and shooting will minimize slow starts

Washington doesn't seem worried, and his answer to a question about how to stop these slow starts sounds like a great plan.

"In the first quarter, our defense hasn't really been that well lately," Washington said. "So, offense is obviously starting slow. So, just trying to get a better feel for each other. Obviously, we need more time on the court together. But, just going in with the right attitude, being positive, and hitting open shots."

Washington knows how bad Dallas has been early in these games, and he thinks the key to stopping these slow starts will come over time. He referenced that the Mavs are still learning how to play with each other, and he wants them to stay positive and knock down more open shots early in these games. Washington also referenced the team's poor team defense to start games, and them playing better in that area will come as this team gets used to each other.

In three of the Mavericks' five games this season, the Mavericks have trailed at halftime. In the two games they didn't trail, the Mavericks had no more than a five-point lead at the half.

In the Mavericks' last game on Halloween against the Houston Rockets, the Mavericks trailed by 13 at the end of the first quarter, and couldn't complete the 14-point comeback in the fourth quarter to win the game.

In particular, Doncic has not gotten off to a strong start this season and it's hurting the Mavericks. Against the Rockets, Doncic got off to a poor 5-of-13 start from the field in the first half, which set the tone for the game and caused the Mavericks to have to try to climb out of a hole that was ultimately too deep to get out of. He ended up being excellent down the stretch, but he knows he must start the game better.

These slow starts put Dallas in a tough situation for the rest of the game, and Washington's keys to avoiding them must be put into effect. The team staying positive and not getting down on themselves is important, as negative vibes would make the start to the game even worse. The Mavs also need to knock down more open shots early on to get the offense rolling, and that starts with Doncic willingly swinging the ball and getting others involved. Sometimes he gets too worried about asserting himself on offense in the first quarter and doesn't involve his teammates as much, and that must stop for Dallas to have their best shot at having better starts.

Outside of Dallas' big three, only Grimes has made a three in the first quarter, and that has to change. The open looks are going to continue to come, but just like Washington said, they have to make these shots.

While it is five games into the season, the Mavericks haven't had convincing and dominating wins this season. The Mavericks continue their five-game home stand tonight against the Orlando Magic tonight to get back on track. The Magic enter losing three of their last four games, so the Mavericks may have caught playing the Magic at the right time. For all the latest on Washington and the Mavericks, stay tuned.