P.J. Washington

P.J. Washington brings the defensive intensity Dallas values, and this early rejection sets the tone. With Houston pushing in transition during the first quarter, Tari Eason attacks the rim on a running finger roll attempt that seems destined to drop. Washington has other plans, timing his leap perfectly to swat away the layup attempt and preserve Dallas' early lead. The Mavericks forward's defensive presence helped anchor a 110-104 victory on January 3, 2026 at American Airlines Center.