6 Biggest X-factors for Dallas Mavericks heading into Finals

3. P.J. Washington

The sight of P.J. Washington developing into the Dallas Mavericks' third star during their second-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder was a sight for sore eyes for Mavs fans, and he has become a fan favorite during these playoffs due to his tenacity and his mentality of "standing on business."

"Standing on business" is what Washington called the stare-down pose he did at the LA Clippers bench, and he has backed up his big talk all playoffs long. Washington is averaging 13.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 0.8 blocks, and 0.9 steals per game during the playoffs while shooting 43.2 percent from the field and 36.3 percent from downtown.

He has been everything that the Mavs have needed out of him and more, and his play in the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics could be what separates the Mavs from winning or losing this series.

Washington's 3-point shooting has been crucial for the Mavs in these playoffs, and when he hits four or more threes, the Mavs are 4-1. He is always going to get open looks considering how much he plays combined with the fact that Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving command so much attention, and it'll be up to him to bury his open looks.

Washington backs down from nobody, and his fearless mentality will help fuel the Mavs as they try to grab their second NBA Championship.