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P.J. Washington · Despite owning the NBA’s top-ranked late-game engine and 29 “clutch wins” last season, the Dallas Mavericks understood that the road to crunchtime success on November 22, 2024 would be slightly upped in difficulty without No. 77’s guidance. Fortunately, the defending Western Conference champions found that P.J. Washington had exactly the type of drive Dallas needed to survive. Finding their 24-point lead to be a thing of the past, Washington mixes power and skill on a between-the-leg drive against Jamal Murray before barreling through the Denver Nuggets’ guard’s frame for a clutch bank shot. Assertive and aggressive whenever the situation called for it, Washington’s down-the-stretch play helped ice the Denver Nuggets’ fiery comeback charge in the matchup’s final minutes. Washington’s ambition helped kickstart a still-running stretch of four consecutive games with double-doubles, as he tossed in 22 points (on 8-of-15 shooting), alongside 13 rebounds, one assist, and three steals. · State of Mint