Mavericks' P.J. Washington takes step in right direction to destroy nagging weakness

On Monday, the Dallas Mavericks went to Utah to take on the Jazz, whom they previously beat last week. In last week's matchup, the Mavericks dominated on both ends of the floor and set a new franchise-high in dunks made with 18.

In Monday's game, Dallas faced a better Utah defense and struggled to establish any offense until the fourth quarter, when the Mavericks would win 115-105 to begin their five-game road trip.

Getting a win in Utah was critical for Dallas' playoff seeding, and they will now head to Sacramento to play the Kings in two crucial matchups that have huge playoff implications for both teams. If the Mavericks win both games against the Kings, they will control their destiny for the remaining few weeks until the playoffs tip-off.

Mavericks forward P.J. Washington remains confident despite concerning struggles

Against the Kings, Dallas will need all the help they can get from role players like Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington. Gafford's rebounding will be a critical component against the Kings, while Washington's shooting and defense could be the X-factor in determining a win or loss for Dallas.

Washington has struggled offensively as a Maverick and has only managed to score over 20 points twice since being traded to Dallas. During March, Washington has had one of the toughest stretches of his career from behind the arc. The 25-year-old has shot a horrendous 22.6 percent from three during March.

Despite struggling from the field in his time as a Maverick, Washington has become one of Dallas' best defenders when on the floor. Additionally, in a recent media availability, Washington voiced that he wasn't discouraged and he was confident even with his recent shooting slump.

Jason Kidd also explained why he's still confident in Washington despite his recent shooting woes. Kidd mentioned how Washington is getting good looks, but the shots just don't seem to be falling.

In Monday's win over the Jazz, Washington played a key role in the Mavericks taking the game over with his knockdown shooting. Washington finished the night with 16 points and made two critical threes from opposite corners to stretch the Dallas lead late in the fourth.

This was a major step in the right direction for Washington, as he has been a poor shooter since coming to Dallas.

Washington will continue to get open looks in the corner as long as he plays alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. The sooner Washington can get comfortable shooting the ball, the better Dallas will be come playoff time. For more updates on P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, Jason Kidd, and the Dallas Mavericks, stay plugged in.