BBNBA: P.J Washington Scores Career-High 43 Points
PJ Washington is up for a serious contract extension after this season. The 24-year-old Charlotte Hornets forward is up for free agency at the end of the season (the Hornets can extend him a qualifying offer). However, whoever pays Mr. Washington will have to back up the brinks truck.
On Tuesday night, Washington ensured his value continues to sky-rocket with a career-high 43-point performance in a win over the Thunder. PJ was electrifying in the matchup, looking every bit like the 1st Team All-SEC player the BBN loved in 2018-19. Washington shot an efficient 16-24 from the field for a 67% clip. He also added five threes and went 6-7 from the line while dishing out five assists, offensively getting it done in all areas.
His performance rivaled former teammate Immanuel Quickly’s 40-point bomb on Monday night. But, of course, the ‘Cats are taking over in late March; the world is right again.
The Hornets went into this matchup with the Thunder, with most of the squad injured. Terry Rozier (foot), Kelly Oubre (shoulder), Gordon Hayward (thumb), and Dennis Smith Jr. (foot) were all out, along with LaMelo Ball, who is still suffering from an ankle injury. However, as Nick Richards joined Washington in the frontcourt, two ‘Cats got the start for the Hornets. Not only did Washington make an impact, but Richards proved that all Wildcats have the clutch gene.
Washington missed a floater with under 30 seconds ticking off the clock, but Richards was there for the rebound. Richards tipped the ball back in as the Hornets took a two-point lead. However, they held on for the 137-134 win over the Shai Gilgeous-Alexander-less Thunder as SGA took the night off.
Maybe PJ and Nick should start every game?
Tyler Herro Impresses in Heat loss
As all of the Big Blue Nation knows, if you get Tyler Herro going, there’s not much you can do to stop him. This was the case on Tuesday night as Boy Wonder gave out 33 points on 13-21 shooting with six threes in a loss to the Raptors.
Herro broke the 20-point scoring mark for his third consecutive game. These performances come as the Miami Heat have been “shopping” Herro around in order to acquire a bigger star. Not much validity comes with these rumors. However, some Heat insiders believe that Miami must shop Herro to take the next step.
But most insiders forget the performances Herro has had in the playoffs in the past. Herro averaged 16.0 points in the playoffs in 2019, along with 12.6 ppg in 2021. This number could get even higher this year as Herro is averaging 20.5 ppg this season. So look out for Boy Wonder to remind everyone who he is in this year’s playoffs, as the Heat also have something to prove.
Bam Adebayo also enjoyed a good game in the loss. Bam scored 21 points to go along with 12 rebounds. A big double-double from Adebayo would usually lead to a Heat win. However, the two Wildcats were the only Miami players to break double-figures. This a rough stat to throw out in late March.
3/28/23 Statistics
| Player | Score | PTS | FG (3PT) | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | MIN | +/- |
| PJ Washington (CHA) | 137-134 W @ OKC | 43 | 16-24 (5-9) | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 37 | +7 |
| Tyler Herro (MIA) | 92-106 L @ TOR | 33 | 13-21 (6-10) | 3 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 37 | -7 |
| Bam Adebayo (MIA) | 92-106 L @ TOR | 21 | 7-18 (0-0) | 12 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 37 | -6 |
| Nick Richards (CHA) | 137-134 W @ OKC | 14 | 6-9 (0-0) | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 26 | -14 |
| Olivier Sarr (OKC) | 134-137 L vs CHA | DNP-CD | ||||||||
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC) | 134-137 L vs CHA | DNP- Rest |
Tonight in the NBA
7:00: Bucks @ Pacers (Jackson)
7:30: Rockets (TyTy Washington: G League) @ Nets
7:30: Heat (Herro, Adebayo) @ Knicks (Quickly, Randle)
7:30 (ESPN): Mavericks @ 76ers (Maxey)
8:00: Lakers (Davis: probable, Gabriel, Vanderbilt) @ Bulls
8:00: Clippers (Boston) @ Grizzlies
8:00: Pistons (Diallo: out) @ Thunder (Gilgeous-Alexander, Sarr)
8:00: Jazz @ Spurs (Johnson: out)
10:00: (ESPN): Timberwolves (Towns: probable) @ Suns (Booker)
10:00: Kings (Fox, Monk, Lyles) @ Trail Blazers (Knox, Sharpe)
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