P.J. Washington Reaches 5,000 Points Milestone in Dallas Mavericks Win

Dallas, TX — P.J. Washington achieved a significant milestone on March 21, 2025, becoming the fifth player in NBA history to surpass 5,000 career points in under 400 games. Washington reached this remarkable feat during a game against the Detroit Pistons at American Airlines Center, contributing to a 123-117 victory for the Dallas Mavericks.

With his first 3-point basket made at the 10:02 mark of the first quarter, Washington not only crossed the 5,000-point threshold but also solidified his status as a key player for the Mavericks. This performance kept Dallas in the race for the final play-in spot in the Western Conference playoffs, showcasing Washington’s ability to step up amid injuries to teammates Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving.

“He’s been great, and we’re going to need him to continue to keep playing at the level that he’s playing at right now,” Mavs head coach Jason Kidd said in a postgame press conference.

Washington’s statistics speak volumes, as he also accumulated 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists in the contest. During his first 400 games, he joined elite company with achievements including at least 5,000 points, 2,000 rebounds, 850 assists, 500 made 3-pointers, and 350 steals and blocks. Only Dallas legend Dirk Nowitzki, Vince Carter, Kevin Durant, and Paul Pierce share this exceptional statistic.

Despite the accolades, Washington expressed dissatisfaction with his performance, citing nine turnovers during the game. “I’m kind of really pissed off at myself because these nine turnovers — that’s terrible. I’ve got to be better,” he stated postgame.

Entering the game, Washington was already under pressure to deliver following a shift in roles due to injuries in the Mavericks’ lineup. Since the beginning of the year, he has ramped up his performance, averaging 19.1 points and 8.5 rebounds over the last 14 games. His recent game against Detroit saw him shooting 5-of-8 from beyond the arc.

The Mavericks’ performance as a team showed resilience, shooting 52.5% from the field with just nine players available. This win was crucial not only for team morale but also in their pursuit of a playoff spot. Dallas’ chance of making the play-in tournament remains alive with 11 games left in the season, as they strive to overcome the recent challenges posed by injuries.

Washington was not alone in his achievements, as teammates Naji Marshall and Spencer Dinwiddie also had impactful performances contributing to the victory. Marshall’s relentless effort and effective shooting brought much-needed energy to the team, showcasing that despite injuries, the Mavericks are determined to fight for their playoff chances.

As the season progresses, questions loom regarding potential roster changes for Dallas, particularly concerning Washington’s future with the team. However, in the eyes of many, he has proved himself as an essential asset on the court.