Mavericks forward P.J. Washington turns concerning weakness into massive strength

The Dallas Mavericks snapped their two-game losing streak Wednesday when they beat the Toronto Raptors 136-125. Birthday boy Luka Doncic did his part, as he had a triple-double with 30 points, 16 assists, and 11 rebounds. Defensively, he also recorded two steals.

Other players also helped the team get out of their slump. All-Star Kyrie Irving had a complete game with 29 points, three assists, two steals, and one block. Tim Hardaway Jr. did his part off the bench, recording 16 points on 40 percent shooting from the 3-point line. Daniel Gafford also had a well-rounded game with 13 points and seven rebounds.

The Mavericks saw the return of two-way player Dante Exum. The Mavs' role player had been out with right knee bursitis.

Mavericks forward P.J. Washington turns concerning weakness into massive strength

However, one player who had a major impact Wednesday was forward P.J. Washington. Washington dropped 23 points, six rebounds, and three blocks.

The biggest difference was his shooting. Washington knocked down 56.3 percent of his shots and shot 50 percent from behind the arc.

This is different from his few games with Dallas. Washington knocked down 25 percent of his attempted 3-pointers in his first game with the team. After that, he shot anywhere from zero to 33 percent of his long-range shots. He had not been great as a 3-point shooter, and some fans began to get worried about his jumper.

In terms of overall shooting, he has struggled. Washington has two games where he shot 16.7 percent from the field. Against the Indiana Pacers Sunday, he went 1-6 overall and shot zero percent from the 3-point line.

His numbers took a dip since being traded from the Charlotte Hornets. In 44 games with the Hornets this season, he shot 44.6 percent overall and 32.4 percent from behind the line. However, in seven games with Dallas, he has made 44.8 percent of his attempts and 29.4 percent of his downtown attempts.

Washington was shooting solid numbers before being traded. In January, he made 52.6 percent of his field goal attempts and 42.4 percent of his 3-point shots.

The Dallas Mavericks currently rank in the top 10 in points per game and 3-point shooting. So, Mavs' fans are hopeful Washington can revert to hitting quality shots. An offense powered by Doncic and Irving would be unstoppable if players like Washington began to find rhythm.

It's possible Washington may gotten his groove back after starting in a slump for Dallas. Assuming that's the case, the NBA may be in for a rude awakening. Wednesday night, he looked much more comfortable as a shooter and he was letting it fly with confidence.

Stay tuned for more news on P.J. Washington and his impact on the Dallas Mavericks.