3 Studs, 2 duds from Mavericks' crucial Game 2 win over Thunder

1. Stud - P.J. Washington

Heading into Thursday night's Game 2 between the Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder, P.J. Washington was having a solid series. Washington finished with 10 points in Game 1 while shooting 4-7 from the field. He was also playing great defense, but he got into early foul trouble and barely got to play in the first half.

Washington responded in Game 2 by finishing with 29 points, 11 rebounds, and two steals while shooting 11-18 from the field and 7-11 from downtown. He started hot from downtown and finished with 19 points in the first half. Luka Doncic and the Mavs emphasized getting him involved early, and he was letting it fly from downtown with confidence.

Washington hit threes from the corner, wing, and even the top of the key, and this was one of the better starts that he has had as a Maverick. It's always been known that he was going to be a big X-factor in the playoffs, and he stepped up to the plate in Game 2.

Washington's importance to the Mavs on both ends of the floor has been evident ever since he was traded to the Mavs, and they'll need him to continue shooting the three-ball at a high clip and defend at a high level.

For all the latest on P.J. Washington and the Dallas Mavericks throughout the 2024 NBA Playoffs, stay tuned.