PJ Washington's wife Alisah Chanel shares IG post of Dirk Nowitzki's thoughts on forward's breakout playoff run
Basketball analysts have raved about how PJ Washington helped the Dallas Mavericks surge in the playoffs. After acquiring him from the Charlotte Hornets, the forward has found a home in Jason Kidd’s roster as part of Luka Doncic’s supporting cast. He has played a stellar if unsung role since arriving before the trade deadline.
About a week ago, Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki wanted to make sure Washington received the recognition he deserved. The 2011 champ, on “The Big Podcast with Shaq,” emphasized how Washington’s size, length, physicality and shooting have been crucial for the team.
PJ Washington’s wife Alisah Chanel heard the praise coming from the Hall of Famer. She got on Instagram to share Nowitzki’s appreciation of her husband:
![Alisah Chanel proudly shared on Instagram Dirk Nowitzki's praise of her husband PJ Washington. [photo: Chanel IG]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/06/34e54-17181785720190-1920.jpg?w=500)
The iconic German basketball superstar told Shaquille O’Neal how the trade deadline played a crucial role in the Mavs’ 2024 NBA Finals appearance. He explained how Washington and Daniel Gafford, in separate deals, strengthened the roster and gave it more balance.
Washington improved his regular season numbers with the Mavericks in the playoffs. His points, rebounds, assists and scoring efficiency have all gone up. On offense, his ability to space the floor has made the lives of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving a bit easier. The bruising forward’s shooting shone against the OKC Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals where he shot a blistering 46.9% from deep.
Dirk Nowitzki has to be impressed with PJ Washington’s defense in the 2024 NBA Finals
PJ Washington’s scorching-hot form from behind the arc has disappeared in the 2024 NBA Finals. He is shooting a horrific 12.5% clip from behind the arc in Games 1 and 2. Dallas will have a better chance of breaking through on Wednesday if he returns to his usual efficiency from that range.
Despite his rough-shooting championship series, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd is playing him 38.0 minutes per game. Kidd has made him the primary defender against Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum. With Washington’s length, size and physicality hounding him, Tatum has averaged 17.0 PPG on 31.6% shooting, including 28.6% from rainbow range.
Dirk Nowitzki, who has been following the series, has to be impressed with PJ Washington’s showing on that end side of the ball. When Nowitzki led Dallas to the championship in 2011, he was surrounded by players who had unsung roles on that team. One of them was Shawn Marion who did what Washington is trying to replicate in 2024 versus Boston.