Luka Doncic has "all the trust in the world" in 6-foot-7 forward

Luka Doncic's Dallas Mavericks rallied from a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 121-116 in Tuesday's pivotal NBA Cup West Group C matchup. Afterward, the superstar guard lauded his teammate P.J. Washington, highlighting his immense trust in the 6-foot-7 forward.

Dallas entered the evening 2-1 in NBA Cup play. It needed a victory and help from the rest of its group to advance to the quarterfinals via the Western Conference's wild-card spot. It achieved just that, outscoring Memphis 39-21 in the fourth quarter to eke out a five-point home win.

Doncic led the way, tallying a game-high 37 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, four steals and five 3-pointers, shooting 50.0%. However, Washington also stepped up in the fourth quarter. He scored a team-best 10 points, including a clutch triple to put the Mavericks up 119-113 with 26.1 seconds remaining.

Washington finished with 18 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, two blocks and four 3s, shooting 60.0%.

Following the game, Luka Doncic was asked about his teammate's clutch performance. The five-time All-Star commended Washington for his consistent energy.

"P.J. always brings it. Just a very positive guy, keeps us together," Doncic said. "We have so many leaders on the team, and the chemistry is off the roof. So, we're just getting started, but it's fun."

Doncic added that Washington's increased versatility has amplified Dallas' confidence in him.

"He's vocal, he's always positive, and then basketball-wise, he can do a little bit of everything," Doncic said. "He can guard. He probably guards the best player every night, and then (there's his) rebounding. I see he had seven assists today. (He's) playmaking (and) scoring ... so we have all the trust in the world (in) him."

On top of progressing to the in-season tournament's knockout round, Tuesday's victory marked the Mavericks' (14-8) fifth straight and ninth in 10 outings. They will look to extend their winning streak to six games on Thursday when they visit the lowly Washington Wizards (2-17).

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Dereck Lively II concurs with Luka Doncic; praises P.J. Washington's two-way impact

Mavericks center Dereck Lively II echoed Luka Doncic's postgame sentiments about P.J. Washington's all-around contributions.

According to Lively, Washington has become underrated among casual NBA fans.

"If they don't watch the game and they just look at the stats, no," Lively said when asked if "people outside Dallas realize how good" Washington is.

"But if they watch the game and see how much dirty work he's doing — he's on the floor, he's gambling for loose balls, he's trying to get a jump ball, he's trying to get rebounds, he's trying to attack the rim, he's trying to shoot the ball."

Lively added that he and Washington are always looking out for one another.

"My man P.J.'s an amazing player. He does a lot for us, and I got his back just like how he's got mine," Lively said.

So, Dallas' chemistry appears to be thriving a quarter of the way through the season.

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