P.J. Washington reveals key for Mavericks to upset Timberwolves

After the Dallas Mavericks beat the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6, they will now face their toughest opponent of this year's playoffs. As the Mavs gear up to play in their second Western Conference Finals in three seasons, they will play the young Minnesota Timberwolves.

Superstars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving caught their stride at the right time as both took over in the closeout affair against the Thunder. The duo of Doncic and Irving has surprisingly struggled at times throughout this playoffs despite dominating in the regular season, seemingly making their bond tighter.

Since becoming a Mav, P.J. Washington's time in Dallas has been a rollercoaster. Only now that the team is finding playoff success has Washington's offense come alive at the perfect time. Washington's defensive impact has been felt all season long but no greater than in the NBA Playoffs.

P.J. Washington reveals key for Mavericks to upset Timberwolves

With Washington just now hitting his stride as a member of the Mavericks, he revealed one way the Mavericks can beat the Timberwolves and reach their third NBA Finals in franchise history.

Washington details how a focus on swinging the ball and not having too many turnovers can be one way the Mavericks get the upset win over the Wolves. "We have to share the ball and just play Mavs basketball. We can't afford to make many turnovers," Washington said.

Washington also talked about playing together on defense, and the Mavs must slow down Anthony Edwards. Derrick Jones Jr. will likely be matched up with Edwards, and he talked about the importance of guarding him with aggressiveness and physicality.

One reason the Thunder pushed Dallas to six hard-fought games, was the Mavericks' lack of attention when passing the ball. Too many turnovers allowed the Thunder to stay attached when the Mavericks had all the momentum early in games. Turnovers can be the difference between wins and losses against a team like the Timberwolves who ranked first in the regular season in defensive rating.

Minnesota prides itself on blitzing at the point of attack and getting the ball out of the star's hands, which just so happens to be Doncic and Irving. Oftentimes in these scenarios, turnovers are created and this is what has plagued the Mavericks during the playoffs.

If the Mavs can pay attention and limit the turnovers during set offensive plays, Dallas could be well on their way to winning the Western Conference. It will need to be an accumulation of attention to detail as well as role players knocking down open looks.

For more updates on the Dallas Mavericks' upcoming playoff matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves, stay plugged in for more.