Mavericks' P.J. Washington Logs 30 Minutes in Return

Washington scored 15 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in the win over the Lakers.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:52am

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P.J. Washington returned to the Dallas Mavericks lineup on Sunday after missing three games due to illness, logging 30 minutes and scoring 15 points with 6 rebounds in the team's 134-128 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Why it matters

Washington's return is a positive sign for the Mavericks as they look to secure a playoff spot in the final week of the regular season. The 24-year-old forward has been a key contributor for Dallas since the All-Star break, averaging 14.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game.

The details

Washington started and played 30 minutes in his return, shooting 6-of-10 from the field and 3-of-6 from three-point range. He was the only Mavericks player besides star rookie Cooper Flagg to reach double-digit scoring.

  • Washington missed the previous three games due to illness.
  • The Mavericks defeated the Lakers 134-128 on Sunday, April 6, 2026.

The players

P.J. Washington

A 24-year-old forward for the Dallas Mavericks who has been a key contributor since the All-Star break, averaging 14.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game.

Cooper Flagg

The star rookie for the Dallas Mavericks who led the team in scoring against the Lakers.

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What they’re saying

“Washington got the start in his return from a three-game absence due to an illness, and the big man was the only Dallas player to reach the 15-point plateau not named Cooper Flagg.”

— Rotowire Staff

What’s next

Washington is expected to remain in the starting unit for the Mavericks in the final week of the regular season as long as he stays healthy.

The takeaway

P.J. Washington's return from illness is a positive development for the Mavericks as they look to solidify their playoff positioning in the final stretch of the season. His production and presence in the starting lineup will be key for Dallas down the stretch.